New seating at West Stewart Bus Station aims to make life easier for older users of the station and its services with brand new made-to-measure seats now available at each of the four stances at the station.

Following calls from older constituents who contacted Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan to intervene on their behalf, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and Inverclyde Council sought to get a solution to suit all.

Inverclyde councillor and SPT chair of operations David Wilson said:

“I am delighted to see these new seats introduced for the comfort of all, and pleased to see we have been able to respond to this simple request which offers a practical solution and meets the needs of users.

“I know consideration was given to those carrying shopping and wanting a seat while waiting on the bus so good to see, yet again, that SPT working with the Council were able to action a solution relatively easily. Yet again, it demonstrates what can happen when we work together in close partnership to get things done.”

Finding a practical solution to the request, SPT established that where the seats would need to go in the station fell within the local shopping centre.  Once ownership of the land was established and permission sought from Inverclyde Council and the shopping centre, SPT’s shelter contractors designed the bespoke, made-to-measure seats specifically to fit the space available. Comfort was also a key consideration in the design of the seats so they do have a back so people waiting can rest against them.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said:

“This is a relatively small project but it will make a big difference for passengers and is one of the many improvement projects in Greenock Town Centre.

“It has been a long time coming and I’m pleased we have been able to support SPT in making this happen.  We would like to thank SPT for their continued investment in Greenock and Inverclyde to improve travel links and infrastructure and for working with us on various projects to make Inverclyde an even better place to live, work, visit and do business.”

Commenting, Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan said:

“I’m delighted that benches have been installed at West Stewart Street Bus Station, as several elderly constituents contacted me about the lack of seating for passengers.

“I am grateful to SPT for actioning my concerns on behalf of my constituents, and for the collaborative work that took place with Inverclyde Council to complete this project.

“This small but important investment will benefit all passengers, but particularly those who’re elderly or disabled, and I hope it will encourage more people to use local bus services.”