First Bus and McGill’s Group be part of forces to launch new night-time companies for Glasgow
Two rival bus operators have joined forces to launch new weekend night-time companies throughout Glasgow.
First Bus beforehand introduced it was withdrawing companies throughout 11 routes following a assessment of passenger numbers, sparking a public outcry.
The metropolis’s largest bus agency has since reached an settlement with McGill’s Group and can serve 9 routes between 12.45am and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
First Bus will function 4 companies between the town centre to outlying areas equivalent to Easterhouse, Greenhills, Cleland and Hillhouse.
McGill’s will take cost of 5 routes between the town centre and surrounding areas equivalent to Pollok, Newton Mearns, Clydebank, Paisley and Drumchapel.
Duncan Cameron, managing director for First Bus Scotland, stated: “When we first announced the withdrawal of our night bus services, we highlighted the challenges we faced as a business. This solution allows us to continue to operate a night bus service in the face of the current driver shortage.
“It additionally highlights the significance of the Glasgow Bus Partnership in being agile and the advantages of operators working collectively to beat challenges, offering the companies wanted by the folks of Glasgow.
“We understand the need for a wider late-night public transport strategy in Glasgow. Our hope is we will now see action from stakeholders, politicians and other transport modes to support local businesses and provide a way forward for the city’s night-time economy.”
The new community comes after First Bus drew criticism final month when it announced it was preparing to cancel night-time services attributable to a scarcity of passengers post-pandemic.
The agency claimed buses had been repeatedly working with as few as 14 clients per hour, with the corporate absorbing the working losses to provide the companies “every chance to succeed”.
Read extra:
First Glasgow to delay withdrawal of night bus services after meeting with council
Ralph Roberts, chief government of McGill’s Group, stated: “Buses are vital to the success of Glasgow and we’ve been striving to find a solution that serves the night-time economy, residents and visitors.
“Our intention is to construct our night-time companies in future and work with the council and companies to assist obtain that.”
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said it was “welcome news”.
She added: “I’m happy two of our greatest bus operators have responded positively to the very actual issues round night time bus companies.
“Recent weeks have made clear the importance of late transport in Glasgow and with footfall in the evenings and at weekends now reported to be well ahead of pre-pandemic levels, this new network will give many Glaswegians the confidence that safe, regular and affordable options for getting home at night are available.”