First Bus and McGill's Group join forces to launch new night-time services for Glasgow
First Bus previously announced it was withdrawing services across 11 routes following a review of passenger numbers. It will now work alongside McGill's Group, with nine routes to be serviced during the early hours of Fridays and Saturdays.
Tuesday 15 August 2023 12:24, UK
Two rival bus operators have joined forces to launch new weekend night-time services across Glasgow.
First Bus previously announced it was withdrawing services across 11 routes following a review of passenger numbers, sparking a public outcry.
The city's largest bus firm has since reached an agreement with McGill's Group and will serve nine routes between 12.45am and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
First Bus will operate four services between the city centre to outlying areas such as Easterhouse, Greenhills, Cleland and Hillhouse.
McGill's will take charge of five routes between the city centre and surrounding areas such as Pollok, Newton Mearns, Clydebank, Paisley and Drumchapel.
Duncan Cameron, managing director for First Bus Scotland, said: "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.
"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."
The new network comes after First Bus drew criticism last month when it announced it was preparing to cancel night-time services due to a lack of passengers post-pandemic.
The firm claimed buses were regularly operating with as few as 14 customers per hour, with the company absorbing the operating losses to give the services "every chance to succeed".
Read more:
First Glasgow to delay withdrawal of night bus services after meeting with council
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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.
"Our intention is to build our night-time services in future and work with the council and businesses to help achieve that."
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said it was "welcome news".
She added: "I'm pleased two of our biggest bus operators have responded positively to the very real concerns around night bus services.
"Recent weeks have made clear the importance of late transport in Glasgow and with footfall in the evenings and at weekends now reported to be well ahead of pre-pandemic levels, this new network will give many Glaswegians the confidence that safe, regular and affordable options for getting home at night are available."