Two cars for new community club

South Ayrshire Community Transport has launched a brand new Community Car Club for Ayr residents.

The two- year pilot scheme will give the local community access to two low- carbon electric vehicles following almost £ 60,000 of funding from SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund in 2018.

In a bid to improve transport for vulnerable people in an area of low car ownership, the Community Car Club will offer vital transport to medical appointments, job interviews or even just shopping, less expensive and easier for those who need additional support.

SP Energy Networks awarded the funding to South Ayrshire Community Transport as part of its £ 20m Green Economy Fund, which supports the ambitious green targets of the Scottish Government to meet climate change targets, boost local economic growth, improve air quality across the country and deliver a better future, quicker.

South Ayrshire Community Transport was formed in 2016 by a consortium of local community transport operators and third sector organisations that identified a large number of unmet transport needs across South Ayrshire.

They have minibuses which people in the Ayr, Kyle and Carrick areas can hire to help voluntary groups and organisations carry out local activities.

Catriona Haston, community transport manager at South Ayrshire Community Transport, said: “We are extremely proud to be launching the new electric vehicle Community Car Club for local residents.

“Our current transport services have been popular and it’s great that we’re now able to expand this to be able to meet the demand.”

Angus Campbell, district general manager for Ayrshire and Clyde South, said: “The funding from the Green Economy Fund will provide the benefits of electric vehicles in more than one way; meeting a need for less expensive travel options and helping to tackle climate change. We’re excited to see the impact that the Community Car Club has on local residents.”

Councillor Helen Moonie, Provost of South Ayrshire, said: “Thanks to funding from SP Energy Network’s Green Economy Fund, South Ayrshire Community Transport has been able to set up a Community Car Club using two low carbon vehicles. This is a positive step to combat social isolation and link communities across South Ayrshire.”

South Ayrshire Community Transport is also adding two new minibuses to their fleet of community- use vehicles.

For more information on the services and to book a vehicle, please get in touch on 01292 270864.