Renfrewshire bus operator cancels all services after entering liquidation

A community bus operator in Renfrewshire has cancelled all of its services after entering liquidation.

Johnstone and Area Community Transport in Renfrewshire announced that, as of Tuesday, June 9, they “will no longer be operating bus services”.

Via a Facebook post, the non-profit company’s director, John McBarron – who set up the company after attending a meeting in 2023 at Johnstone Town Hall – said it was with “great sadness” that an agent had been appointed to liquidate the firm.

Despite a funding contribution of £35,000 from Renfrewshire Council and The National Lottery Fund, he went on to reveal that “rising costs and cash flow” issues led the company to liquidate.

He said: “As from Tuesday, June 10, 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 were informed last week that we were in a critical financial position.

“We are incredibly grateful for the loyalty of our passengers, and hopefully, we have shown there is demand for additional local bus services.

“We are also thankful to Renfrewshire Council and The National Lottery Fund that together supported us with £35,000 of funding.

“This figure is less than half of the value that 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 could not be surpassed.

“They all demonstrated to the bus industry how to operate a bus service with recognition of people’s needs and not just treating them as revenue.

“The whole community supported us. We wish everyone all the best on their future journeys. Unfortunately, we will not be part of that. Sincerely, John McBarron, Director.”

SPT and Renfrewshire Council have been contacted for comment.