Johnstone and Area Community Transport’s director says the business was no longer sustainable, causing it to cease operating its local bus services
Founded in 2023, Renfrewshire community bus operator Johnstone and Area Community Transport CIC has cancelled all of its services after entering liquidation, announcing on 9 June that it would cease to operate with immediate effect via its social media pages. Company Director John McBarron said it was with sadness that the firm, which had received a funding contribution of £35,000 from Renfrewshire Council and The National Lottery Fund, had entered liquidation as a result of rising costs and cash flow issues.
The social media post read: “As from Tuesday 10 June 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.”
