A GREENOCK bus company is examining options to bridge a gap in public transport services after a competitor announced plans to scrap its Glasgow night buses.
First Glasgow announced earlier this week that its night services are to be withdrawn due to ‘low passenger numbers’.
Now McGill’s Buses, owned by brothers Sandy and James Easdale, is looking at options to ensure services remain available in Scotland’s largest city.
The company has stressed, however, that provision must be financially viable.
Ralph Roberts, chief executive, said: “McGill’s Group is going to examine options for providing a night bus service to Glasgow and see if we can establish a long-term plan that would be viable.
“We are only at an initial stage of looking at what may be achievable. The First Glasgow services that are being terminated are extensive and we cannot say at this stage that a like-for-like replacement will be feasible.
“That said, we know there is a level of demand for night-time bus services and if Glasgow is to thrive as a city, it needs companies such as McGill’s together with city leaders to see what we can achieve.”
The withdrawal of First Glasgow’s night buses is due to begin on July 31.
Sandy said: “We have invested in a state-of-the-art fleet for McGill’s Group to serve Glasgow and James and I have also invested personally in the city.
"We want Glasgow to be successful and it needs to be successful.
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"If people stop coming into the city at night to support the entertainment and leisure industry, they might just stop coming during the day as well. That would be a disaster for the local economy.”
Co-owner James added: “Bus provision in Glasgow is operated through a commercial marketplace and when there is movement, such as has happened this week, the opportunity can be attractive to another organisation such as McGill’s Group.
“Trains and subway in Glasgow are both under public control and are simply not serving the needs of the night-time economy either.
“There is an opportunity for buses to fill that huge gap and that’s why we’re keen to see what is possible.”
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