Call for more bus lanes
A BUS company boss is demanding more priority be given to passengers on services into Glasgow and through the city centre.
A recent survey carried out by the city council found the majority of those questioned felt bus services are not meeting the needs of passengers.
But Ralph Roberts, managing director of McGill’s, believes the survey does not accurately reflect the views of most people.
He pointed out bus companies are facing serious problems because of congestion on some routes causing longer journeys.
And he called on city roads bosses to allocate more dedicated space for buses on the routes into the city and on city centre pinch points like Renfrew Street, Renfrew Street and Hope Street.
Mr Roberts said McGill’s, which carries around 2500 pas- sengers a month, carries out regular surveys of its customers to find out any areas of concern.
He added: “The approval rating by customers of McGill’s is above 95 per cent but there are huge issues in the industry.”
The bus boss said falling fuel prices prompted some people to ditch the bus in favour of their car resulting in more traffic.
Mr Roberts said: “In Glasgow, traffic on the M8 is horrendous and as congestion goes up, patronage on the buses goes down.”
He highlighted the problem of utility companies which dig up roads, major building projects, parking and what he described as lack of road management.
Mr Roberts added: “We need some curbs on cars which cannot continue to have unfettered access but Glasgow City Council is afraid to tackle the issue.
“I am not calling for Glasgow city centre to be car free – that would be cloud cuckoo land – but priority should be given to the number of passengers in a vehicle and not the number of vehicles.”
Elaine McDougall, the council’s transport spokesman, said: “The council is committed to introducing measures that will make the use of sustainable transport options – including travel by bus – more attractive.
“Our City Centre Transport Strategy recognises the Renfield Street/Union Street corridor as being a key bus route and a scheme is being progressed to introduce traffic management measures which will reduce congestion and improve the flow of buses on this city centre street.
“We recognise works can cause delays and officers liaise with utility companies to make sure major works are planned to minimise congestion.”