New Bus Service Enhances Connectivity for Kilbarchan Residents

A new bus service, Johnstone and Area Community Transport Service 6, commenced operations on May 30, offering a crucial half-hourly connection between Kilbarchan and Johnstone Station.

This not-for-profit initiative was developed by John McBarron, inspired by a community meeting held last autumn. The new service aims to address the transportation challenges faced by the residents of Kilbarchan.

The service operates from Meadside Avenue to Johnstone Station from Monday to Saturday, providing a vital daytime transportation link that was previously lacking. Fares are kept affordable to encourage usage, with all proceeds reinvested into the company to sustain and improve the service.

John McBarron, a Kilbarchan resident with a background in bus management and law enforcement, funded the initial setup of the service using his own resources. He has also applied for additional funding from the Lottery and The FlightPath Fund to support and expand the initiative.

With the help of former colleagues and local authorities, John successfully navigated the regulatory requirements to launch the service. He expressed gratitude for the significant assistance from local councillors and the Johnstone Business Consortium.

Councillor Andy Doig praised John as a local hero, highlighting the bus service's role in providing a crucial link from Kilbarchan to Johnstone, which facilitates easier access to Paisley and Glasgow for both work and leisure. Councillor Gillian Graham also commended John's dedication and urged community support for the service.

Kilbarchan residents have expressed their appreciation for the new transport option, emphasizing its importance in daily commuting and accessibility to nearby cities. Social media buzz has reflected widespread community admiration for John's efforts, with locals encouraged to utilize and support the new service.

John's initiative represents a significant step toward improving local transport, demonstrating how community-driven projects can effectively address public needs.