Politicians and transport experts from across Scotland have been in Kilmarnock discussing how to put Ayrshire’s transport network in the fast lane.
The Ayrshire Transport Summit, organised by the three Ayrshire Councils as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal initiative, brought together a wide range of businesses, public sector bodies and volunteer groups to think about the best ways to improve transport infrastructure in Ayrshire.
Along with presentations from the Director of the Growth Deal, Transport Scotland and John Dales, an expert in transport planning, the event held a number of workshops discussing Active Travel, Road & Rail, Sea & Airports and Public Transport.
Among the groups attending were members of the A77 Action Group and the Ayrshire Bus Users Group who took the opportunity to highlight their concerns about transport in Ayrshire. As well as Councillors from across Ayrshire, local MSPs Brian Whittle, Jamie Green and John Scott attended with their Westminster colleague Bill Grant MP.
The event highlighted the importance of investment for the long term in the region, with calls for improvements to trunk roads like the A77 as well as a renewed push to make use of existing assets like Prestwick Airport and the ports at Ayr, Girvan, Troon and Hunterston. There were also calls for better integration of transport services through shared ticketing system for buses, trains and ferries, more space for bikes on public transport and a greater effort to timetable buses and trains in a way that lets passengers get off one mode of public transport and travel onwards on another without a long wait.
Brian Whittle MSP said
“Good transport infrastructure is vital to developing the Ayrshire economy and this Transport Summit was a fantastic opportunity to think about how we can make the most of Ayrshire’s transport network.
While it’s clear that Ayrshire needs greater investment from the Scottish Government, it was interesting to consider what other actions we can take to join up various different types of transport and give travellers a more seamless experience.
It’s certainly given me plenty to consider and I look forward to continuing to drive forward a better deal for Ayrshire in future.”
