The funding has been allocated to local authorities and other delivery partners of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, as part of the regional transport authority’s £14.5m of grant investment this year for transport improvements across the Strathclyde area.

The projects set to receive funding will support Strathclyde’s emerging new Regional Transport Strategy, which will be launched this year, and aims to improve accessibility, affordability, availability and connectivity of transport across Strathclyde, as well as reducing carbon emissions and promoting active travel.

The two projects within East Ayrshire which are set to receive the funding boost are:

• £1,800,000 for bus station improvements
• £20,000 for the Kilmarnock bus park and ride

Further funding for these projects over the next three financial years has also been identified.

Stephen Dornan, Chair of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport said: “Despite challenging financial pressures, we are making transport in our area greener, more connected, and more reliable and accessible to all.

“Our investment programme announced today will ensure communities, residents and businesses across East Ayrshire can share in the benefits of improved public transport and active travel.

“We are proud to announce this funding and look forward to working with the local authority and others to progress these projects and deliver transport improvements across the region.”