Bus passengers across Ayrshire will be able to make single journeys for no more than £2 under a new Scottish Government-funded fare scheme.
The capped fare will be introduced on Monday, September 7, across the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport area, covering a wide range of Stagecoach services throughout Ayrshire and the wider west of Scotland.
Passengers will continue to pay the lower amount where an existing single fare costs less than £2.
The scheme will cover short journeys within towns, services connecting surrounding communities and longer express routes into Glasgow.
Among the Ayrshire services included are the 585 between Ayr and Largs, the 358 and 360 between Ayr and Ballantrae, and the X76 and X77 services connecting Ayrshire with Glasgow.
Where a journey continues beyond the SPT boundary, the £2 fare will apply to the part travelled within the scheme area. The normal fare will be charged for the remainder of the journey.
Single tickets can be purchased on board using cash or contactless payment.
Stagecoach said its day, weekly and longer-duration tickets would remain available and may offer better value for passengers making several journeys or using multiple services.
Fiona Doherty, managing director of Stagecoach South Scotland, said: “We’re pleased to support the Scottish Government’s £2 single fare initiative, giving customers across Ayrshire and the wider west of Scotland another affordable and convenient way to travel by bus.
“Whether it’s a short journey across town, a longer trip into town or an express journey into Glasgow, the new fare gives customers greater flexibility when choosing how they travel.
“With Catch the Bus Month also taking place throughout September, it’s a great opportunity to leave the car at home, give the bus a try and see where it can take you.”
The introduction of the fare cap follows a Scottish Government commitment to extend more affordable bus travel across Scotland, building on a pilot scheme in the Highlands and Islands.
Passengers are being advised to check the Stagecoach website for full details of the routes and journeys included, along with a map showing the scheme boundaries.