First Bus and McGill's announce new late night bus network for Glasgow
The decision follows backlash to First Bus plans to scrap late night weekend services in the city
Last updated 14th Aug 2023
Late night weekend bus services in Glasgow are to continue, after First Bus and McGill’s reached an agreement for a new collaboration.
The city's largest bus operator will operate four night routes between 12.45am and 3am on Friday and Saturday nights while McGill's Group has agreed to take on a further five routes.
There was an outcry last month when First Bus said it was planning on withdrawing night-time services because of a lack of passengers post-pandemic.
The new collaboration will see the majority of night bus journeys retained.
A total of 11 routes would have been impacted under the original proposal, including Clydebank, Paisley, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Motherwell, Wishaw and Newton Mearns.
READ MORE: First Glasgow announces night bus service is being withdrawn
Duncan Cameron, managing director for First Bus Scotland, said: "Following discussions with business owners and key stakeholders in the city, we are pleased to announce a new collaborative solution alongside McGill's Group to continue offering a comprehensive night bus network in Glasgow.
"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.
READ MORE: Is First Bus making a u-turn on controversial plans to scrap night-routes in Glasgow?
"It also highlights the importance of the Glasgow Bus Partnership in being agile and the benefits of operators working together to overcome challenges, providing the services needed by the people 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."
Ralph Roberts, chief executive of McGill's Group, said: "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.
READ MORE: First Bus rivals, McGill's could be set to launch night service
"We're delighted to be announcing an initial five night-time bus routes that will be run by McGill's serving the city.
"Our intention is to build our night-time services in future and work with the council and businesses to help achieve that.
"There will be a range of ticket options available on night-time services, including discounts for regular users and McGill's ticket holders, and we will announce more details on that shortly."