4 days ago
Scots bus operator axes all services with IMMEDIATE EFFECT after entering shock liquidation
They received over £35,000 of funding towards the scheme
GONE BUS-T Scots bus operator axes all services with IMMEDIATE EFFECT after entering shock liquidation
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A SCOTS bus operator has ceased all services with immediate effect after the firm entered unexpected liquidation.
The travel company, which provided transport across Renfrewshire, delivered the devastating news via social media on Monday.
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The bus firm said it was to axe all services as of today
Credit: Facebook
Johnstone and Area Community Transport announced with "great sadness" that an agent had been appointed to oversee the liquidation process.
The non-profit organisation was founded by Kilbarchan resident John McBarron in 2023, following complaints from the community about the quality of bus services in Johnstone to the surrounding area.
In a Facebook post, the former director attributed the decision to fold to "rising costs and cash flow" challenges, calling it a "difficult decision."
As of today, Tuesday, June 10, the company will no longer operate bus services.
The firm had received over £35,000 of funding from Renfrewshire Council and the National Lottery Fund.
In their statement, Johnstone and Area Community Transport said:
"As from Tuesday, 10 June 2025, Johnstone and Area Community Transport will no longer be operating bus services.
"It is with great sadness that an agent has been appointed for the liquidation of our small company.
"Rising costs and cash flow problems have led us to make this difficult decision.
"SPT was informed last week that we were in a critical financial position.
"We are incredibly grateful for the loyalty of our passengers and hope we have demonstrated the demand for additional local bus services.
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"We are also thankful to Renfrewshire Council and The National Lottery Fund, which together provided £35,000 in funding.
"This figure represents less than half of what I personally contributed to this company.
"After working for a year without pay, I can no longer sustain the financial burden.
"The team of drivers, in my opinion, are the best drivers in the world.
"Their humility, empathy, and community spirit are unparalleled.
"They have shown the bus industry how to operate services with genuine recognition of people's needs, rather than treating them solely as revenue.
"The entire community supported us. We wish everyone the very best on their future journeys.
"Sadly, we will not be part of them."
The company's website has now been taken offline.
Renfrewshire Council and Scottish Transport Partnership have been approached for comment.
