Maybole’s Carrick Centre becomes UK’s first accredited community mobility hub

Maybole’s Carrick Centre Achieves UK’s First Community Mobility Hub Accreditation

The Carrick Centre in Maybole has made history by becoming the first community mobility hub in the UK to receive official recognition from Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), a national charity for shared transport. This accreditation highlights the centre’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions and community integration.

The Community Green Transport Hub at the Carrick Centre offers a variety of services to facilitate sustainable journeys, including e-bike rentals, electric vehicle charging points, and a community minibus service. Located near Maybole railway station and a National Cycle Network route, the hub is easily accessible by both public transport and local bus services, promoting multi-modal transport options for the community.

Mobility hubs like this aim to streamline various transport options and community services in one location, reducing the reliance on private cars and encouraging eco-friendly modes of travel. By strategically placing these hubs along key travel routes, they enhance connectivity between shared transport schemes, public transport, and active travel choices.

The successful establishment of the community mobility hub is a collaborative effort between the Carrick Centre and South Ayrshire Community Transport (SACT), a charity dedicated to improving travel accessibility in the region. Through initiatives such as improved signage, community surveys, and e-bike hire facilitation, the hub met CoMoUK’s accreditation standards for shared transport schemes.

Richard Dilks, CEO of CoMoUK, commended the Carrick Centre for pioneering sustainable transport solutions in Maybole, showcasing the potential for similar initiatives in rural areas. He highlighted the hub’s role in reducing traffic congestion, carbon emissions, and promoting seamless travel options for residents and visitors alike.

Marguerite Hunter Blair, chair of the Carrick Centre, expressed pride in attaining the accreditation, emphasising the hub’s impact on enhancing service access, promoting active travel, and combating social isolation in the community. The Green Transport Hub not only addresses transport challenges but also contributes to environmental sustainability and public health improvements.

John Reid, manager of SACT, lauded the partnership with the Carrick Centre and CoMoUK in establishing the UK’s inaugural accredited community mobility hub. He underscored the hub’s potential in fostering future opportunities for active travel and shared transport in Maybole, further enriching the region’s transport landscape.

The recognition of Maybole’s Carrick Centre as the UK’s first accredited community mobility hub sets a precedent for sustainable transport initiatives in rural areas, demonstrating the positive impact of collaborative efforts in promoting accessible, eco-friendly transportation options for all.