Ownership of the existing Carrick Connector Ring ‘n’ Ride bus, along with all contractual commitments, is to be transferred to Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). 

Councillor Margaret Toner, the Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Economic and Tourism Development Committee, who decided to transfer ownership of the bus said:  “I would like to reassure people living in and around the Carrick area that the bus will continue to be used solely within the Carrick area.

“The bus is well used and provides people who have not previously had a bus services, or only had access to poor public transport, with a convenient form of transport.  Those living in the area in which the bus operates will continue to have access to local amenities. 

The new Regional Transport Partnership, STfP came into effect on 1 April 2006, and supersedes the former Strathclyde Passenger Transport organisation.

The Council originally purchased the Carrick Connector bus in 2003, to serve people and communities in Girvan and the surrounding rural areas.  Funding for this service came from a previous Local Transport Strategy and the contract for the vehicle was operated and maintained by Western Buses in Ayr under contract.  The area in which the bus operated was outside the former Strathclyde Passenger Transport designated boundaries, and the Council was responsible for supporting the service financially.

As the new SPfTs boundaries encompass the Carrick area, the financial responsibility and operation of the bus now transfers to SPfT.  Bookings for the service will continue to be co-ordinated by staff at Consort House, Glasgow.

The transfer of ownership will require the approval of SPfT and amendments to the current contract documentation between the Council and Western Buses.

Previous funding received by the Council from the Scottish Government to support the bus service will cease. 

The bus is listed in the Council’s asset register as having ‘nil value’ so there are no resource implications arising from the change in ownership and operation.

May 2006