Better Buses for Strathclyde ramps up campaign amid SPT consultation
After a busy session in Irvine, more public meetings are scheduled in Glasgow and Clydebank to advocate for bus network reforms
The campaign group, Better Buses for Strathclyde, is intensifying its efforts to bring the region's bus services back under public control, coinciding with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport's (SPT) ongoing 12-week public consultation on the future of the bus network.
This consultation includes considerations for public ownership of bus services, a model not seen since 1986.
Following a series of public meetings across the west of Scotland, Better Buses for Strathclyde has announced three additional sessions aimed at engaging residents in Glasgow and Clydebank.
The latest meeting took place in Irvine, where local people discussed their concerns about 'lifeline service routes' which had been axed.
These meetings seek to gather public support and discuss the potential benefits of re-regulating the bus network through franchising, which would allow SPT to plan routes that better serve community needs and integrate seamlessly with other modes of transport
The campaign has garnered significant public backing, with a petition amassing over 10,000 signatures advocating for the re-regulation of private bus companies.
Supporters argue that franchising would enable SPT to cut fares and deliver a unified, affordable ticketing system across all transport modes, similar to recent initiatives in Greater Manchester.
'This is our last chance'
Ellie Harrison is a volunteer with the campaign: "We just have too many horror stories of people's bus routes being cut, of private bus companies putting profit before service, and that has been the story since 1986.
"There's nothing to say that SPT needs to franchise out to private companies.
"They could directly award sections of the network to a public operator that would be similar to Lothian Buses - a new Strathclyde Buses.
"In Irvine, we heard lots of stories about private operators axing routes which were vital lifelines to communities.
"The X44 was mentioned, as was the X36 from Saltcoats - these are services that people relied on that are no longer there, so there is a lot of frustration in the community.
"This is our last chance to have our voices heard before SPT finalise their proposals, and we need to encourage SPT to be as ambitious as it can be."
£15m pricetag
SPT's consultation comes after recommendations to explore franchising as a means to improve the bus network, achieve passenger growth, and enhance accessibility.
However, the process is estimated to cost around £15 million and could take five to seven years to implement.
In the interim, SPT is considering Bus Service Improvement Partnerships (BSIPs) to facilitate immediate enhancements through public and private sector collaboration.
The move towards public control has faced opposition from private operators.
McGill's Buses has expressed strong reservations, with CEO Ralph Roberts stating that franchising equates to "confiscation of a business that has been built in good faith over many years with investors' funds" and raises numerous legal implications.
Open til 29 May
A spokesperson for SPT said: “SPT’s draft Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy (SRBS) is currently out for public consultation.
“The draft strategy describes the bus network that is needed to improve bus for existing passengers, make it more attractive to new users, and ensure bus is providing essential access for everyone who relies on it.
"To deliver the strategy, SPT is proposing to develop bus franchising arrangements for the region.
“The consultation is open until 29 May to give everyone the opportunity to feedback on the proposals.
“Visit SPT’s website and social media channels to find out more, or visit: https://bit.ly/3PPerXr "
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