26/09/2017
South Ayrshire Community Transport (SACT) is a vital organisation dedicated to enhancing social inclusion by connecting people and places across South Ayrshire. Established in April 2016 as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO SC046212), SACT is a proud member of the West of Scotland Community Transport Network. They operate under a stringent quality assurance framework, ensuring the highest standards in both vehicle and customer care. A cornerstone of SACT's philosophy is its commitment to collaborative partnerships with local communities and various local, regional, and national agencies. Put simply, their core business is connecting people and places.
What Services Does SACT Offer?
SACT provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the South Ayrshire community. Their offerings cater to both organisations and individuals looking for reliable and accessible transportation solutions.
Minibus Hire for Voluntary Groups and Community Organisations
Are you part of a voluntary group or community organisation in South Ayrshire? Do you require a minibus to facilitate your activities or to embark on an outing? SACT has a fleet of wheelchair accessible minibuses available for hire. Understanding that not all organisations have their own qualified drivers, SACT can also supply drivers for your hired vehicle, subject to availability and their driver eligibility criteria. To explore how SACT can support your group, you can contact them at their Ayr office on 01292 270864 or send an email to [email protected]. They are eager to discuss how they can assist you in achieving your transport needs.
Driver Qualifications and Training
SACT places a high emphasis on the safety and competence of its drivers. All drivers associated with SACT undergo rigorous training, including the industry-recognised MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) certification, and possess the necessary qualifying licenses. This ensures a high level of professionalism and safety for all passengers.
Furthermore, SACT also offers the opportunity for individuals to undertake full driver training to obtain the MiDAS certificate. If you are interested in becoming a qualified minibus driver within the industry, you can contact SACT at [email protected] or call 01292 270864 for more information on their training programs.
The Girvan to Barr Bus Service
Since May 2017, SACT Ayr has been successfully operating the Girvan to Barr bus service. What began as a service running three days a week, four times a day, has now expanded significantly. The service now operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with five services each day, demonstrating its growing importance and usage within the community.
The Out and About Club: Affordable Excursions
SACT offers free individual membership to its popular 'Out and About Club'. Through this club, SACT organises one excursion per week for its members. While these excursions are not entirely free, they are offered at a modest charge, making them highly accessible. The programme includes popular events such as 'Local Lunches' and 'High Teas', providing enjoyable social opportunities. Additionally, the club organises trips that venture further afield, exploring beautiful locations within a couple of hours' drive from Ayr. A key feature of all these excursions is that they always include a stop for food and refreshments, ensuring a complete and pleasant day out for all participants. The minibuses used by the club are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and walking frames, and the friendly, helpful drivers provide a door-to-door service, picking up members from their homes and returning them afterwards.
Partnerships in South Carrick
SACT is actively engaged in forging new working partnerships to improve transport links in the South Carrick areas. This initiative specifically aims to enhance connectivity for communities including Ballantrae, Colmonell, Barrhill, Pinwherry, Pinmore, Lendalfoot, and Poundland. This collaborative approach highlights SACT's dedication to reaching and serving even the most remote parts of South Ayrshire.
Carrick Community Transport Group (CCTG)
SACT also works closely with its sister organisation, the Carrick Community Transport Group (CCTG). CCTG primarily serves the Carrick area and operates a fleet of three 16-seater minibuses, with one based in Maybole and two in Girvan. It is important to note that the CCTG minibuses are not wheelchair accessible, and they do not supply drivers with their hire. Voluntary groups and community organisations operating in the Carrick area can contact CCTG directly. For Maybole, the number is 01655 882105, and for Girvan, it is 01465 716600. Drivers hiring CCTG vehicles must possess a D1 category on their driving license.
Important Driver Eligibility Criteria
For individuals wishing to drive SACT minibuses, there are specific eligibility criteria to ensure safety and compliance:
- Drivers must be between the ages of 22 and 80.
- They must possess at least two years of full driving experience.
- Drivers must have, or be willing to complete, MiDAS training within 12 months of registration.
- For drivers over the age of 70, a PCV medical must have been completed to continue driving any minibus.
- A D1 category on their driving license is generally required, although a B category car license may be acceptable in specific circumstances.
- All drivers representing a group or organisation must be registered with SACT before operating any hired vehicle.
SACT vs. CCTG: A Quick Comparison
To help clarify the differences between SACT and its sister organisation CCTG, here is a brief comparison:
| Feature | SACT (South Ayrshire Community Transport) | CCTG (Carrick Community Transport Group) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Area of Operation | South Ayrshire | Carrick Area |
| Wheelchair Accessible Minibuses | Yes | No |
| Driver Supply | Yes, available (subject to conditions) | No |
| Individual Membership Club | Yes ('Out and About Club') | No |
| Driver Training Offered | Yes (MiDAS) | No |
| Contact Number (Main Office) | 01292 270864 | 01655 882105 (Maybole) / 01465 716600 (Girvan) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SACT offer free excursions?
SACT offers free individual membership to its 'Out and About Club'. While the club organises one excursion per week, these are offered at a modest charge, not for free. However, these excursions are very affordable and include many benefits.
Can I hire a minibus from SACT without a qualified driver?
Yes, SACT can supply drivers for their hired minibuses, provided you meet their driver eligibility criteria and subject to availability.
Are SACT's minibuses accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, SACT has a range of wheelchair accessible minibuses available for hire, and their 'Out and About Club' excursions are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and walking frames.
What is MiDAS?
MiDAS stands for Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme. It is an industry-recognised training program designed to ensure that minibus drivers are competent and safe. SACT drivers are MiDAS trained, and SACT also offers this training to others.
How can I become a member of the Out and About Club?
Membership to the 'Out and About Club' is free for individuals. You can find out how to join by contacting SACT directly via phone or email.
SACT plays a crucial role in fostering community spirit and ensuring that everyone in South Ayrshire has access to essential transportation, whether for group activities, essential services, or enjoyable outings. Their commitment to accessibility, safety, and community partnership makes them an invaluable asset to the region.
If you want to read more articles similar to SACT: More Than Just Transport, you can visit the Transport category.