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

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch
Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review
Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law
A person's open palm holding a graphic of sound waves.

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

The MU is urging the Government to drop its original AI proposal after the interim consultation response revealed overwhelming opposition. With only 3% of respondents backing the preferred option, ministers must now deliver robust regulation to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI