Renfrewshire is to get £1.7million worth of improvements to its bus services in the next three years.

One plan involves raising kerbs at bus stops across the area to make it easier for passengers to get on and off.

Money will also be spent on improving timetable information and upgrading traffic lights in Renfrew.

In addition, a turning loop is to be installed in Linburn, Erskine, to allow buses to turn around quickly and safely when they begin the return leg of their route.

A spokesman for Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), which has allocated the cash, told The Gazette: “This investment in bus infrastructure will help improve the journey experience for passengers and make it easier for people to board buses throughout the Renfrewshire area.

“Discussions are ongoing between the council and SPT to identify the best locations.
“The traffic signal upgrades will help optimise traffic flow and allow for bus priority traffic systems to be implemented.

“Several sites have been identified across Renfrew.

“The works will be delivered as part of a programme over the next three years and will also include upgrades to passenger information software systems.”

Some of the £1.7m will be used to upgrade the park-and-ride facility at Hawkhead train station, in Paisley, and increase the number of spaces.

Complaints have been received from local residents about commuters parking their cars in nearby streets.

The money is part of a £22m investment by SPT to provide reliable travel and cut emissions in the 12 council areas it covers.

Councillor Dr Martin Bartos, SPT chair, said: “Careful consideration has been given to what projects can be delivered and those which most benefit the travelling public.

“I’m delighted that, within Renfrewshire, we are investing in high access kerbs to make it easier to board bus vehicles throughout the area, upgrading bus stops and ensuring more real-time passenger information systems to improve the journey experience.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “SPT has confirmed its capital investment over the next three years and we will work closely to deliver public transport infrastructure and pedestrian crossing improvements.”