24 January 2005

Ring'n'Ride bus service hits the road in Argyll

Elderly and disabled residents in the Helensburgh and Lomond area can now benefit from a new bus service, thanks to a joint investment from SPT and Argyll and Bute Council.

The new 950 Lomond Ring'n'Ride service is just a phone call away for passengers wanting to travel around Helensburgh, Rhu, Garelochhead, Kilcreggan Peninsula, Portincaple, Arrochar, Tarbet, Succoth and Luss.

Ring'n'Ride is an innovative on-demand service that is designed to serve people and communities in rural Lomond who currently lack a local bus service. The new bus service is operated using low floor, fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible vehicles.

It will be operated by Avondale Coaches on behalf of SPT and Argyll and Bute Council, will collect people from home and take them to their destination within the operating area. The service will run between 0915 and 1430, and between 1530 and 1800, Monday to Friday, but passengers are advised to book their journeys the day before by calling the booking office on 0845 123 5656. The office is open 0900 to 1600 Monday to Friday.

George Heaney, SPT's Head of Operations, said:

"One of SPT's key priorities is to ensure public transport provision is accessible for all sections of the community. This joint venture with Argyll and Bute Council will enable residents in the Lomond area to have access to transport that suits their needs.

"We currently operate a this type of service for over 300,000 passengers around the Strathclyde area who would otherwise have difficulties making journeys by public transport.

Councillor George Freeman, SPTA member for Argyll and Bute Council welcomed the new service saying: "I am delighted that we have managed to introduce the first Ring'n'Ride bus service into the Helensburgh and Lomond area.

"The service has been designed to assist those who do not live on or near an existing bus route or those who are elderly or mobility impaired.

"This service is being jointly funded by Strathclyde Passenger Transport and Argyll and Bute Council and is another example of what can be achieved through partnership working."