Budding bus route could be scrapped
A BUS route which was launched as a trial just four months ago is in danger of being scrapped.
The M4 service, managed by First Bus, was launched to plug gaps left by cut backs to the 4A’s timetable.
However, the firm said they are losing money after finding they have to subsidise the service due to a lack of passengers.
The possible axing of the route has been branded “premature”.
A VITAL bus service is under threat just months after it was introduced.
The M4 service, run by First bus, was put on late last year to plug gaps in the route after they removed part of the 4A’s journey.
Now the bus giant says it is losing money on the service, which runs hourly from Anniesland and Partick bus station via Kelvindale and Hyndland.
When it was introduced in October, it was anticipated the service would take passengers on around 2000 trips a week, meaning they would break even in terms of costs.
However bosses say they are only able to cover around 50 per cent of the route’s running costs, and are subsiding it with around £1100 a week.
The route for the service was altered in December, and First Bus agreed to continue it for a six month trial period, which is due to finish in a month’s time.
After this they say they will have to review the options.
A letter from the firm, seen by the Evening Times, states: “...given the continued significant low use of the service, it seems very likely that the service will be deregistered and discontinued following the de-registration period (10 weeks).”
First Bus have vowed to contact transport firm SPT to discuss options for the route, and whether it could be eligible for support under social guidelines.
SNP MSP Bob Doris, who has been carrying out a consultations with locals on the M4 service in the hope of extending it, said: “I was in the process of arranging a meeting with First Glasgow to discuss the results of my parliamentary consultation on local bus services when the news emerged that First Glasgow were looking to axe the M4 service in around 10 weeks.
“That is a premature decision by First Glasgow and I have urged them to reconsider.
“Given around 400 constituents have contacted my office sharing their views on how the route could be improved I would hope the company will engage in a meaningful way.
“I have been working hard to retain a bus service in Kelvindale since First Glasgow decided to withdraw the previous 4A service.”
A First Glasgow spokesman said: “First Glasgow committed to a trial period of six months for the current revised M4 service and during this trial phase we promised to keep those stakeholders updated on passenger numbers, which we have done.
“Despite committing resource and effort to this service, and the subsequent public attention during this trial period, we are disappointed that the service continues to fall well short of the minimum number of passengers required to make it sustainable for the future.
“Our most recent e-mail to stakeholders was part of this commitment, and highlighted that passenger uptake has not been to the level that we all hoped for.
“Prior to any decision regarding the future of the service, we will again meet with Mr Doris, other local stakeholders and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, to discuss available options.”