skip to main content

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.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords