AYRSHIRE residents have been invited to participate in a consultation that looks to improve connections between communities.

The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is drawing up a regional transport strategy which also looks to tackle public transport’s pollution levels and explore how public transport can help Scotland’s economy in the aftermath of Covid.

Policies currently in the draft include creating minimum standards for the quality of public transport services, improving bus services, and delivering changes in the region’s active travel infrastructure.

SPT’s chair, Councillor Stephen Dornan, said: “Communities across the region are struggling right now with the cost of living crisis, and getting back on their feet after Covid, and it is essential that our new strategy reflects their hopes and aspirations, and helps address the challenges they face.

“This new strategy has the potential to be a game-changer – it is bold, strong and ambitious, because it needs to be.

“I would encourage everyone with an interest in transport in the west of Scotland to read the strategy, get involved and have your say.”

Once the strategy is put in place, it will affect public transport in the area for the next 15 years.

The consultation will be open to the public until Friday, October 28.

Find out more on the consultation at spt.co.uk/vision.