Funding plea for hospital bus route
AF U N D R A I S I N G camp a ign has been launched to pave the way for a direct transport from Drumchapel to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital ( QEUH).
The G15 Buses transport initiative has called on supporters to help finance the project after it lost a major donor in September due to the coronavirus pandemic prompting the closure of a charity fund.
A minibus has been purchased to provide Drumchapel residents with a direct service to the Govan hospital – which is currently not available via public transport – however, the charity is in need of a further cash boost to bring the service to fruition.
The move signals yet another bid from staff to get the campaign off the ground after a six- year battle featuring a number of “false starts”, including 11th hour funding withdrawals.
Trustee Will Thomson insisted any donation would “make a difference” no matter the amount.
He previously said: “The state of play has changed since we applied for the funding. We will be keeping a close eye on the First Minister’s route map to ensure we decide the best time to hit the road.
“We’re representing the people of Drumchapel so we need to ensure it’s an efficient and effective operation, one for us all to be proud of.”
In July last year, the group received an £ 8000 boost from Glasgow City Council’s integrated grant fund.
So far, the social media fundraiser, which has been run on Facebook, has raised just £ 15 of the £ 500 total.
The service, which will also offer transport for nearby GP appointments, will be available for all Drumchapel residents.
Registration will be free, however, the bus, which will be able to be booked in advance via an app, will cost around £ 2 per journey.
The charity maintains it will be operational as soon as lockdown measures ease, however a lack of membership uptake and funding partner withdrawals have set the project behind.
It is hoped the long- awaited service will be up and running this year, which will mark four years since the last direct route to the super- hospital was scrapped.