Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
MyBus is the new name for SPT's Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services - formerly known as Dial-a-Bus and Ring'n'Ride. The name was chosen to unite these two popular services while emphasising their on-demand nature.
Passengers using the South Ayrshire MyBus services will travel on brand new state-of-the-art buses. The Tucana model buses are manufactured in the UK and are low floored, fully wheelchair accessible, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.
Each bus has seating for 14 passengers with space for three wheelchairs. Additional space can be made for wheelchair users by folding back seats. This avoids a return journey to the bus depot to have seats removed.
Launching the renamed MyBus service today, Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:
"This vital service makes a real difference to the communities it serves and I would encourage those in Ayrshire and across the whole of the Strathclyde area who have difficulties using conventional bus services to take advantage of this excellent facility."
Chair of SPT's Operations Committee and member for South Lanarkshire Councillor Denis McKenna said:
"We're marking the 21st anniversary of our popular DRT services with a new name and new eye catching orange livery.
"South Ayrshire is the first area to have the new look MyBus service and I hope we'll encourage new users to consider using it.
"MyBus is open to people who have difficulty using public transport due to disability or age. People shouldn't think it's only a service for the elderly, or for those living in rural areas poorly services by public transport.
"It's more than that. If you have a temporary disability, like a broken leg MyBus could be the answer for you and it's only a phone call away."
The investment of £1.5million to expand its fleet underlines SPT's commitment to driving up the quality of vehicles for passengers. The new buses are highly visible, with a distinctive bright orange livery.
It is an important part of SPT's Step Change for Buses to drive up the quality of vehicles at an affordable price to the public purse. By supplying the vehicle and leasing it to the operator, passengers are assured of journeys on the latest low floor model buses that are environmentally friendly and fuel efficient.
Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council added:
"I'm delighted to welcome this important initiative which will be of huge benefit to residents in outlying and rural communities.
"Public transport in these areas is a lifeline for many people and connecting them with an on demand bus service offers a transport solution that will make lives easier, journeys simpler and provide maximum benefit to those who use it."
435,000 passenger journeys are provided by SPT demand responsive transport services each year.
SPT has a fleet of 68 modern, low floor fuel efficient vehicles in a range of sizes to match route requirements.
