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MU Concerned by First Glasgow Plans to Cancel Night Bus Service

Although plans to cancel the service have currently been delayed until August, the MU is asking any members affected to contact the Scotland Regional Office to discuss their concerns, with the potential to be interviewed about their experiences.

Photo ofSam Dunkley
By Sam Dunkley Published: 19 July 2023 | 12:22 PM Updated: 24 July 2023 | 11:35 AM
Long exposure of a bus travelling in Glasgow city center at night time.
There will be MU members who rely on these bus services to get home from work. Image credit: Shutterstock.

First Bus has announced it is bringing the city’s night service to an end, citing poor passenger numbers as the reason.

The closure of the night bus service was originally due to take effect at the end July, impacting 11 routes including Clydebank, Paisley, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Motherwell, Wishaw and Newton Mearns.

The changes will impact night time economy

Despite the reported falling passenger numbers, there will be MU members who rely on these bus services to get home from work, as will other night time economy workers and audience members.

Coming so soon after the introduction of the Low Emission Zone, this speaks to a lack of joined up thinking in transport policy for the City. The only fair way to operate a Low Emission Zone is to operate regular, reliable and affordable alternative methods of transport.

Whilst it is promising that First Bus have given the services a reprieve until 20 August, it is important that a more permanent solution is found.

If you are a member who is concerned about the impact of the cancellation of the night bus service in Glasgow and the Low Emission Zone, and would potentially like to speak about your experience in an interview arranged by STUC for the Guardian, please get in touch with the MU Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Office by emailing glasgow@themu.org.

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