18 March 2003
Ring'n'Ride arrives in Irvine Valley
Public transport in Irvine Valley has been given a great boost this week as Strathclyde Passenger Transport launched an innovative new bus service called Ring'n'Ride.
The new on-demand service takes rural residents from as near to their door as possible to anywhere in the rural Irvine Valley area, and also provides vital links to town centres, leisure centres, hospitals and train stations.
Residents can use the service by simply calling the booking line in advance. Busy, high-tech passengers can even book the service by sending a text message. The service is for everyone, be they sixteen or sixty, and operates every day of the week from 9am to 6pm.
Commenting on the new service, Councillor Eric Ross, Chair of Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority said:
"Following a review of our local Dial-a-Bus service and subsidised bus services in the area, we decided to pull together resources and provide this great new on-demand service which will improve public transport for communities in Irvine Valley by providing them with a bus service that takes them where they want to go, when they want to go.
"We recognised that in much of the Irvine Valley area there were pockets where no regular bus service ran, which caused social exclusion for residents without access to a car. For too long people without cars or the money for taxis have had to rely on infrequent local services or had no service at all."
"Ring'n'Ride is the equivalent of every rural resident having their own personal, invisible bus stop outside their door! The service provides residents from outlying areas lifeline access to town centres, train stations, leisure facilities and also Crosshouse hospital.
"People living in rural areas such as Irvine Valley have particular needs, and SPT is committed to continuing to improve rural public transport to address these needs. I am very proud to launch this new Irvine Valley Ring 'n' Ride, and I am sure the service will be very successful and strongly encourage everyone to take full advantage of it."
SPTA member for East Ayrshire, Councillor John Knapp added:
"Its great to see the new Ring 'n' Ride bus in action today, and I am delighted that SPT has funded this service for Irvine Valley residents.
"I am also very pleased that SPT took the opportunity to come to East Ayrshire Local Council Committees to explain the new Ring 'n' Ride service and answer all our questions. This service proves the benefit of the council's involvement and partnership with SPT."
People wishing to book the service or register for text message booking, or simply looking for more information should phone the booking line on 0141 333 3200. Passengers should please note that bookings can be made up to two hours before travel, but it is recommended that bookings are made the day before.
The Ring 'n' Ride service is operated by HAD Coaches on behalf of SPT, and the bus is fully wheelchair accessible. Normal bus fares apply, however SPT concession travel cards are valid on the service, as are ZoneCards and Daytripper tickets.
Just some of the areas in which the Irvine Valley Ring 'n' Ride operates are: Benslie, Craigie, Cunninghamhead, Darvel, Dunlop, Fenwick, Galston, Hurlford, Lugton, Moscow, Newmilns, Stewartson, Torranyard, and Waterside.
The bus allows links between any of the places in this area, and also from this main operating area to Kilmarnock, Kilmaurs, and Knockentiber.
The main benefits to users are as follows:
- Improved service between Grange Estate, Kilmarnock and Southcraigs;
- Improved link at peak times to Rowallan Business Park;
- For Moscow and Waterside, it gives users the opportunity to travel at times more suitable than the current limited service;
- Kingsford and Lugton residents receive accessible transport;
- Provides a Saturday and Sunday service for Moscow and Waterside;
- New local links in Galston;
- New and reinstated links between ie: Fenwick - Stewarton; Moscow - Darvel and Crosshouse Hospital - Fenwick.
ends