In a recent turn of events, the residents of Johnstone and Lochwinnoch faced a moment of uncertainty as the 3 and 4 routes, operated by Key Coaches, were announced to be withdrawn with immediate effect. This sudden decision raised concerns among local politicians and commuters alike, leaving a void in the lifeline of transportation for these communities.
However, in a welcome development, Shuttle Buses has stepped in to fill the void of service 4, there has been no interest in service 3. The transportation company has confirmed plans to take over the 4 service, providing a replacement that will commence operations from Monday, November 13.
The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) expressed disappointment at the withdrawal of the Key Coach services, acknowledging them as commercial services that the operator decided to discontinue abruptly. In a statement, an SPT spokesperson revealed, “It’s understood there is no commercial interest from other operators in replacing service three.”
Despite the initial setback, the community can now breathe a sigh of relief as Shuttle Buses prepares to introduce a replacement service for the crucial 4 route. This lifeline, set to kick off on Monday, is subject to approval from the traffic commissioner.
An SPT spokesperson commented on the development, stating, “We are aware that Shuttle Buses has now submitted a registration for a replacement service to run part of service 4 from Lochwinnoch to Johnstone.”
This intervention by Shuttle Buses comes as a ray of hope for those who rely on these routes for daily commuting, ensuring that the essential connection between Johnstone and Lochwinnoch remains intact.
The commitment of Shuttle Buses to step up and provide a seamless transition demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the local transportation network. It is a testament to the understanding of the critical role these services play in the lives of the community.
As the new service gears up to hit the roads on Monday, November 13, the residents of Johnstone and Lochwinnoch can look forward to a renewed sense of connectivity and accessibility. In the face of challenges, the community has found a lifeline, and with Shuttle Buses at the helm, the journey continues for these vital routes.
Paisley Photographs 