4 February 2004

Better access for Bishopton

Local residents are set to benefit from a new low-floor bus on the Bishopton local service number 520.

The new Optare Alero bus has an ultra low-floor and wide doors to allow wheelchairs and pushchairs to roll on and roll off. The 14-seater bus has programmable electronic climate controls and a modern, attractive design to provide a comfortable and stylish journey.

Service 520 runs Mondays-Saturdays from Bishopton Station via Station Road, along to Greenock Road, Porton Place, Ferry Road, Old Greenock Road, Kingston Road and back to the station. Passengers can be dropped off at a number of other locations on request to the driver. To ensure that seats are available on the new coach, passengers are advised to pre-book at least two hours in advance by calling 01475 792300, Monday to Friday 0830 - 1600.

The Bishopton local bus service is subsidised by SPT and is operated by Gillen's coaches. The timetable is designed to make the connection with trains departing or arriving from Glasgow, providing real public transport integration.

Speaking at the launch of the new vehicle, Vice-Chair of SPT, Councillor Tom Selfridge said:

"Improving access to vital local bus services is an important part of SPT's work. This new bus will mean more comfortable and accessible journeys for all passengers.

"High quality, modern service like this provide a real alternative to using the car. Residents can use the bus to get to the train station, and then make a connecting journey by train, reducing the need to use the car and congested roads".

ends