A home builder and transport firm have teamed up to offer complimentary bus passes to the first 65 home buyers at a housing development in Monkton.
The innovative transport scheme between Persimmon Homes and Stagecoach West Scotland will provide eligible Fairfields residents with an annual Stagecoach smartcard that is transferable within each household – meaning all family members can use it at different times for accessing work, education, healthcare and socialising.
Residents will be able to use direct services in Ayrshire with easy links to Glasgow.
The partnership comes as some of Stagecoach’s X77 express services will be rerouted through Monkton later this year.
Ross Hill and partner Laura Barrett applied for their smartcard following their move to Fairfields in December 2021.
Ross, a pharmacist, said it has helped him explore surrounding towns and has completely changed his approach to using public transport.
He continued: “The equivalent costs for the train or driving with parking are much more expensive.
“We don’t have to think about taxi numbers and when I work locally it’s a great, cost effective and environmentally friendly way to commute.
“We are both looking forward to being able to travel to and from Glasgow well past midnight which saves us from leaving our nights early to catch trains or trying to find hotels.
“We are very impressed and see ourselves opting to take the bus whenever possible now.”
Chris Logan, managing director of Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said the collaboration with Stagecoach epitomises his firm’s “commitment to sustainability at our Fairfields development”.
He said: “It makes great sense to encourage residents to leave the car at home if there is a viable alternative – whether that is walking, cycling or, in this case, quality public transport.
“We felt that facilitating the diversion of Glasgow bus service through Monkton was a positive step towards encouraging and enabling people to change travel habits and opt for public transport.”
Fiona Doherty, managing director of Stagecoach West Scotland, added: “We’re really proud of our partnership with Persimmon which we’re confident will encourage residents to choose sustainable transport as soon as they move to this development in Monkton.
“One bus can remove up to 75 cars from the road, and with our buses in the Monkton area being Euro VI we are using the latest engine technology to reduce carbon emissions.
“The use of bus also relieves congestion in our towns and cities while providing better air quality for the community.”
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