12 March 2004

Changes to local travel centre information

SPT is making changes to the way that public transport information is provided in the East Renfrewshire area.

SPT regrets to inform customers of the Barrhead travel centre in Barrhead community library that the facility is to close permanently after close of business on Saturday 27 March 2004. The travel centre originally opened on a pilot basis five years ago, but enquiry levels have remained extremely low, despite a number of extensions to the pilot scheme.

SPT is committed to providing information on public transport alternatives to the car. To ensure that public transport information is still available locally to residents and visitors to the area, SPT and East Renfrewshire council are pleased to announce that enhanced public transport information will be available from two locations from Monday 29 March.

Two "travel points" will be created at East Renfrewshire council offices. The travel points will be open from 0800-1800, Monday to Friday and staff will be available to answer questions using SPT's journey planner. In addition, leaflets for local bus and rail services will be available from the travel points.

Travel point
East Renfrewshire Council
Council Buildings
Main Street
Barrhead
G78 1SY

Travel point
East Renfrewshire Council
Council Buildings
Eastwood Park
Rouken Glen Road
Giffnock
G46 6UG

Commenting on the new arrangements, Chair of SPT Councillor Alistair Watson said:

"We are sorry that Barrhead travel centre has had to close, but the number of enquiries was significantly below that of our other centres, despite our best efforts to promote the facility.

"The new arrangements, in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council, will ensure the provision of public transport information in Barrhead - and extend the service to the Eastwood area.

"I hope that the local communities make use of their new facilities".

Councillor Alan Lafferty, East Renfrewshire environment convener said:

"I am sorry that it has been necessary to close the travel centre but it is good that we are able to continue to provide quality public transport information both in Barrhead and at Eastwood Park thanks to working closely with SPT."

Customers wishing to purchase tickets should contact operators directly, or visit any SPT travel centre.

Posters will be in place at Barrhead travel centre to advise customers of the change and a leaflet will explain alternative contact details and addresses of other SPT travel centres.

ends