For immediate release:
CALLS TO SAVE WEEKEND NIGHT-BUS SERVICE
First Bus is being urged to reconsider its decision to scrap its Glasgow night bus services, with local MSP Clare Haughey calling the move “short-sighted.”
First Glasgow reintroduced its night bus services in June 2022 to help boost the night-time economy in the city as Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.
The bus operator has now announced its intention to axe the services from July 31.
Locally, the N18 Sauchiehall Street to Greenhills service, which travels via Bridgeton, Rutherglen, Burnside and East Kilbride, and the N267, which travels through Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Blantyre and Hamilton, are set to be scrapped.
Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has joined with a number of other politicians, including the First Minister Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon, in writing to First calling for a rethink.
Commenting, Ms Haughey said:
“This is a short-sighted decision by First Bus that needs a swift review.
“Safe, reliable and affordable night-time public transport is essential for local residents who work in Glasgow City Centre late at night and those having a night out in town.
“If the cuts to services go ahead, then the economy will take a hit, work done to tackle emissions will be undermined, and people – particularly women – may be fearful of their safety.
“Thatcher’s privatisation of UK buses has left behind a legacy where private companies now operate much of the bus network.
“The Scottish Government has recently given local authorities the powers to run their own bus services, and I sincerely hope councils can work together to bring bus services under greater local control which will help revitalise regional bus networks.
“In the meantime, though, First Bus must reverse this decision and keep the night bus services in operation.”
ENDS
Notes:
First Glasgow press release:
Text of letter to First Bus sent 12th July 2023:
Dear Duncan,
We are writing to you as MSP’s representing the areas and constituents who will be affected by the news that the weekend night First Bus service in Glasgow will be cancelled from the 30th of July.
It is not an overstatement to say the weekend late-night bus service is a lifeline to so many within Glasgow and the surrounding areas, and the removal of this service will have a detrimental impact on many of our constituents and Glasgow’s industries.
Bus services (like yours) offer safe, low cost and low-carbon ways for people to travel – even more vital in the midst of a cost of living crisis, a climate emergency, and when concerns over the safety of people (in particular women) travelling in the evenings is being examined.
It supports many people and industries, such as:
• Glasgow’s late-night workers who deserve the same opportunities and transport options as their day-shift colleagues. Removing this service will leave them facing the choice of losing a significant proportion of their wage to taxis or a long walk home in Glasgow in the middle of the night.
• Tourists choosing to visit Glasgow for our world renowned nightlife which they can enjoy via our bus service.
• The city’s vibrant hospitality sector, supported by many of the late-night workers and tourists, which keeps our night-time economy alive in our hotels, bars, clubs and entertainment venues.
• Women and other minority groups who rely on the service to provide a form of safe, accessible transport – and for who this will only further increase the inaccessibility of our city at night.
We could go on but we believe the public response to the announcement speaks for itself.
Ultimately, cancelling the nightbus service will come as a devastating blow to many of the constituents and businesses we represent. We urge you to reconsider your decision to cancel the weekend night-bus service.
Yours sincerely,
Clare Haughey MSP
Humza Yousaf MSP
Nicola Sturgeon MSP
Kaukab Stewart MSP
Bill Kidd MSP
Christina McKelvie MSP
Neil Gray MSP
James Dornan MSP
Ivan McKee MSP
Collette Stevenson
Rona Mackay MSP
Stephanie Callaghan MSP
Clare Adamson MSP
Fulton MacGregor MSP
George Adam MSP
Clare Haughey MSP 