A new bus has been launched in Renfrewshire after a fed-up resident decided to take matters into his own hands to help people get around.

The Johnstone and Area Community Transport service 6 kicked off last Thursday, May 30, and a runs a half-hourly service between Kilbarchan and Johnstone Station.

The not-for-profit initiative is the brainchild of John McBarron who had the idea after attending a meeting last Autumn in the town hall in Johnstone.

(Image: Newsquest)

The Kilbarchan resident told the Gazette: “The meeting was about the poorness of the buses.

“The more I thought about it, the more I thought maybe I could (do something about the buses).

“I then had a day where three buses were off in a row and I was trying to get up the road.

"I went right that’s it I’ve had enough of this, I'm going to do something about this.

“So basically, from a bad bus experience and doing something in my retirement, I've decided to put some local buses on to help the local community.”

(Image: Newsquest)

The service from Meadside Avenue to the station and vice versa, runs Monday to Saturday, "re-establishing that daytime link that isn't there just now."

“For (those without concession cards) it’s a reasonable fare and I’ll do everything to keep it down," added John.

“All the money goes back into the company. The buses might be cheap and cheerful to start with but I need to start somewhere.”

(Image: Newsquest)

John, who in the past worked as a first line manager for First Bus and was in the police for 15 years, set up the service using his own funds and has applied for funding through the Lottery and The FlightPath Fund.

“I didn't just dive in,” he explained.

"I'm not trying to make any money out of this.

“I'm just trying to provide a service local community.

"A couple of other guys that I knew through scouting years and years ago helped me out.

“They’ve been directors of companies in the past, I haven’t, so we set up a not-for-profit Johnstone and Area Community Transport.

“That was the the set up and then we had to go through all the legal loopholes of getting an operators licence and then registering my service.”

(Image: Newsquest)

He praised local councillors who have also been “fantastic in helping him out” and The Johnstone Business Consortium who helped point him in the right direction.

Councillor Andy Doig described John as "the hero of the hour as far as I am concerned."

"He and his community bus service offer a vital lifeline from Kilbarchan to Johnstone which allows Kilbarchan residents to get to Paisley and Glasgow easier for both work and leisure." he added.

Councillor Andy Steel, meanwhile, said: “I very much welcome this initiative by John and his team.

"Smaller can be better when it comes to buses and I’d urge everyone to use community alternatives like this, which can offer the service large operators can’t or won’t provide.”

“I’ve seen the wee red buses going by while I’ve been out campaigning for the election - and there’s people on them, so demand is there.”

“Franchises or council run services are years away at best, so it’s vital support be given to a community service like this.”

Councillor Gillian Graham also praised John for his efforts to set up the service.

On social media recently, she said: “This is a not-for-profit service set up by Kilbarchan resident John McBarron, ably supported by his wife Joanne and family.

“When bus services in the village were cut, John stepped up.

"John all power to you. I'm full of admiration and delighted to help in any way I can.

“Let's support our local bus service.”

To see the full timetable click HERE.