Labour MP calls again for buses to be in public control
A LABOUR MP has repeated calls for Glasgow’s bus service to return to public control.
Paul Sweeney said there is “urgency” to privatise bus services and create a fully integrated city region public transport system.
The Glasgow North East politician spoke yesterday in the Commons, calling for a debate on the subject.
Mr Sweeney said: “This failure of our privatised bus services increases the urgency to unleash the potential of our communities through the introduction of Labour’s policy for a universal free public bus system.
“Despite consensus in Scotland about the need for genuine investment into public transport – particularly as we should be striving towards climate emergency targets – Glasgow continues to be held back by cuts from private bus companies.
“The cuts to First Bus routes in Glasgow, especially in north east communities like Springburn and Robroyston show that the city’s public transport system is collapsing.”
Mr Sweeney’s words were prompted by First Glasgow’s cut to the 19A bus service service through Robroyston, Germiston and Royston.
He also called for steps to be taken towards Scottish Labour’s goal of free bus travel for all as part of its “transformative” agenda tackling climate change.
The politician added: “The 19A bus through Royston and Robroyston being needlessly cut is a symptom of a much wider generational private mismanagement of our essential public transport system.
“These cuts disrupt people’s day to day lives and isolate them.”
A spokesman for First Glasgow said: “Mr Sweeney fails to mention how Labour would fund any of their proposals.
“He also doesn’t say what he would do to reduce congestion or what he would do to improve demand for bus services other than via a universally ‘free’ system, which of course would not be free, but a huge burden on tax payers.”