‘Services not viable’

Graeme Macfarlan, commercial director for First Glasgow said: “Like many other companies throughout the world, First Glasgow has been impacted by the pandemic and are facing one of the most challenging and unprecedented periods ever.

“Prior to the global pandemic, extensive efforts were made to make service X1 a viable operation, and we were grateful for the support that was shown to the service during that time.

“Unfortunately, all of this support did not translate into passengers using the service.

“The X1 service has been suspended for over three months now and throughout the lockdown period as part of our reduced network COVID-19 contingencies.

“But it’s simply no longer viable for and it’s with regret that we have to make the difficult decision to permanently withdraw the service.”

He added: “The currently suspended section of the 31 route beyond Carmunnock Village and East Kilbride via Stewartfield will not be returning for similar reasons as the cost of operating against such a low demand for the service simply do not support the continuation of this section of the route.

“It’s crucial that we prioritise all resource to where it is most needed and alleviate the challenges caused by social distancing restrictions, also ensuring services have sufficient capacity where passenger volumes are increasing.”