Disabled people restricted in use of free bus service

SPT say the changes to the My Bus operations are in accordance with Government guidance

Stuart McCabe is angry and bemused at the decision to make the service less accessible
Published 24th Sep 2020

Disabled people relying on a free bus service to travel locally are now restricted in the number of times they can use it each week.

SPT's My Bus in Glasgow and the west is now only available to people with disabilities for two return, or four single, journeys a week.

They say they have reduced the availability of it in-line with Government guidance but cerebral palsy sufferer Stuart McCabe, from Renfrew, can't fathom it.

He said: "The full service is important. People like me rely on it for our independence and getting to places like university, shops or work.

"It's vital, particularly for people who don't have much family around for lifts.

"It gives us a chance to live our lives and these restrictions will have a wide impact on our ability to do that.

"In general, the My Bus service is so worthwhile and I don't think SPT realise how vital it is.

"I'd say there's a lack of awareness on their part, the virus is here but we can still go out to an extent.

"My Bus is safe, controlled environment. The driver will look after you and I've seen with my own eyes that they do all they can to help anyone.

"It's a safer service to use than a public bus service and a lot of elderly or disabled people prefer door-to-door travel to get from A to B safely in the middle of a pandemic."

An SPT Spokesperson said: "A restricted MyBus service adhering to Government and Public Health advice restarted with the ending of shielding.

"The service follows strict social distancing rules so numbers who can use the service at any one time are limited. We are not taking group bookings, nor are we running services to the usual clubs and meet up events as many of these remain suspended due to the limit on the number of people who can meet up from different households."