A vital community bus service, based in Strathaven, has announced customers will only accept card payments due to the lack of banking facilities in the town.
Climate Action Strathaven (CAS) first launched its service in October 2022 after concerns of poor transport links isolating elderly community members and impacting student’s university commute.
The 3C bus service has expanded to offer twice as many services between Strathaven, Stonehouse and Glasgow.
However, posting on social media, CAS stated: “From February 1, the 3C service will accept card payments only. This decision was taken by management due to the lack of banking facilities in the town.
“Thank you for your support in this. Please note that 10 journey tickets can still be purchased in the Eco Hub at 5 Green Street, Strathaven, using cash or card.
“Climate Action Strathaven would never leave anyone stranded.”
The charity’s decision split opinion on its Facebook with some bemoaning the cashless move.
One poster said: “The customer should have their choice of payment not being dictated as to how they pay !
“It’s all moving towards a cashless society.”
However, messages of support included one woman who said: “People are still able to pay cash at the hub which is just a few minutes walk away.
“I honestly don’t understand the anger.
“3C is a fantastic service and CAS in general. It’s not really a case of just using the post office unfortunately.
“My family has been in business 19 years and the local branches situation is unfortunately getting worst.
“No-one who wants to pay cash is being left behind. You can still do it.”
Climate Action Strathaven is a community-led climate action group which looks to raise awareness about the climate crisis as well as creating a more sustainable future for the people of Strathaven.
The project received funding through Banks Renewables’ Kype Muir Community Fund (KMCP), which was set up to provide financial assistance to community groups, voluntary organisations and communities local to the areas surrounding its Kype Muir wind project.
Strathaven’s Bank of Scotland closed its doors in December with the bank citing a rise in digital services.
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