Radical new plans to reform bus services across the region will be put to the people at a special public meeting in Kilwinning next month.

And candidates for the Kilwinning by-election, scheduled for Thursday, May 9, are being invited to take part.

Plans for a reform of bus services in the area were set in motion after the region’s transport authority, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), decided on March 15 to take the bus network back into public control for the first time since the 1980s.  

The SPT board, which took the decision, includes councillor Donald Reid representing the people of North Ayrshire.  

Transport is very much a big issue in the community after North Ayrshire Council announced plans to try and improve public transport last year, and Irvine Community Council asked the public for their views on services provided.

SPT is now asking the public whether they support the plans, in a consultation which runs until May 13.  

A public meeting is being held in Kilwinning Bowling Club on Wednesday, May 1, at 7.30pm so that people can find out more about the plans and take part. 

It's being organised by the Better Buses for Strathclyde coalition and Irvine and North Ayrshire TUC

SPT is recommending that it moves ahead with a franchising scheme to regulate local bus services as Mayor Andy Burnham has done in Greater Manchester, as well as developing a business case for a new publicly-owned bus company for Strathclyde. 

Campaigners say it is a vital first step to creating affordable, accessible and sustainable bus services. 

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Campaigning for better buses

Ellie Harrison, spokesperson for the Better Buses for Strathclyde coalition, who will speak at the meeting, said: “We’re delighted the SPT board agrees on the need to bring buses back under public control. 

“Leaving the network to private bus operators for the past 35 years has been disastrous for local communities. We have been campaigning for years for SPT to use the powers it has to re-regulate the bus network. 

"We know there is strong public support for this but it needs to be made vocal in this consultation.

"We still have grave concerns with SPT’s proposal to sign a so-called ‘Bus Service Improvement Partnership’ (BSIP) with private operators, whilst plans for franchising are developed. 

“This would be a huge waste of money and could delay or prevent public control of the network.”

The Better Buses for Strathclyde coalition recently handed in a petition containing 10,000 signatures to the board of SPT, calling on them to take buses back into public control. 

Launching the consultation on April 1, SPT chairman Councillor Stephen Dornan said, “I encourage everyone with an interest in the future of bus services in our area to participate in this important consultation. 

“This is your chance to formalise your thoughts and help us take forward the best options to help halt the decline in bus services across the west of Scotland.

“SPT wants to know whether the public agrees or disagrees with the recommended options and the reasons for these positions.”

North Ayrshire is represented on the SPT board by Kilwinning Labour councillor Donald Reid.

Arthur West, acting secretary of Irvine and North Ayrshire Trades Union Council said: “Transport links in North Ayrshire are a source of concern to many local people.  In some areas services are very limited.

"The difficulties in relation to bus services faced by a number of communities are caused by a lack of regulation and investment.

“We need bus services which are less expensive and better connected. We also need buses running at times when people need them.”

“This is why the Trades Union Council is very happy to support this meeting – and we hope the public will turn out in good numbers.”