Joy as students get cheap bus fares back
Campaigners celebrate as firm vow to work out deal
Campaigners have welcomed the news that a Renfrewshire bus operator is planning to bring back its student daily tickets.
McGill’s Buses scrapped the deal earlier this year but faced a backlash from students with thousands of people signing a petition calling for its return.
Member of the Scottish and UK Youth parliaments, Josh Kennedy, took the issue on, urging the firm to reconsider as it was hitting students in the pocket.
Following a meeting with company bosses, the 16-year-old Trinity High pupil announced a breakthrough.
He tweeted: “I am ecstatic that McGill’s have confirmed that the student daily will be reinstated in the future.
“Before this happens, we will be organising focus groups of young people to come up with ideas of how bus companies can better suit its younger travellers.”
The student daily ticket allowed people to buy a discounted ticket each day, rather than having to fork out for a week, or five day brief.
Campaigners say the old system was more appropriate as some college and university students may only attend classes two or three days a week.
McGill’s confirmed it was exploring ways to bring back the deal for 16 to 19 year-olds, but cautioned that no final decision had been made.
Ralph Roberts, McGill’s managing director, said: “We are looking at a way to provide a discounted student day ticket for 16-19-year-old students, as these were always the intended recipients.
“This work was ongoing prior to our meeting with the member of the youth parliament and we have no timescale for this as yet.
“There was widespread abuse of the student ticket which caused the withdrawal.
“McGill’s has consistently tried to provide value for money for our student customers and will always try to do so.”
The announcement also received praise from Renfrewshire North and West MSP, Derek Mackay, who backed Josh and the other campaigners involved, but warned a solution had to be found for older students.
Mr Mackay said: “This is a positive step and Josh and the rest of the campaigners deserve great credit for the work they have done so far.
“It is encouraging to see young people become actively involved in politics and local issues.
“I hope McGill’s can finalise their plans soon, and also take into consideration mature students who are going to be