Calls to nationalise buses in Glasgow as weekend routes are cut

Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney is calling for buses across the city to be nationalised to give people a safe way to get around at night.

It follows plans from First Bus to scrap 11 different weekend routes because passenger numbers are as low as 14 per hour.

He told Clyde 1: "It is standard practice for other cities around Europe to have public owned buses.

"In fact, Edinburgh and London have very good and reliable bus networks.

"SPT doesn't yet have the power to introduce franchising and we are falling behind the likes of Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds - it is just not good enough."

Hospitality bosses in the city centre are also concerned the removal of night time bus services at weekends could stop people visiting bars and nightclubs.

READ MORE: First Glasgow announces night bus service is being withdrawn

Colin Wilkinson from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association said: "A city the size of Glasgow should offer a night bus service so that people enjoying an evening out and those working in hospitality can get home safely.

“With the recent introduction of the Low Emission Zone on many vehicles and fewer taxis in the city since the pandemic, some licensed trade businesses are really worried about the impact the removal of night buses will have when they are still trying to claw back business post-pandemic and amid the cost-of-living crisis.

“The SLTA has spoken previously about the chronic lack of late-night transport provision in Glasgow so this is not the news we want to hear as we approach the peak tourist season.

“Our fear is that people will simply not bother travelling into Glasgow city centre if getting home is going to be such a challenge. It’s extremely bad news for the city’s pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “We note the decision taken by First Bus, which we understand is driven by low use of the service, coupled with the difficulties in recruiting bus drivers.

"We are aware of the importance of bus services and are committed, in conjunction with operators and local authorities, to improving services to ensure everyone has accessible public transport regardless of geographic location.

"There is a broad package of long-term investment in bus, including through the Network Support Grant, Community Bus Fund, and for bus priority infrastructure, together with the enhanced suite of options for local transport authorities to improve bus services according to their local needs, including formal partnerships, franchising and running their own bus services."

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.