McGill’s urged to rethink plans to axe vital routes
A Renfrewshire MSP has called on McGill’s buses to rethink plans to stop two rural routes.
The operator announced it will scrap its number eight and 19 services from the end of next month saying they are no longer financially viable.
Derek Mackay MSP is calling for more to be done to keep the routes running or alternatives to be found to ease disruption
The Renfrewshire North and West member said: “I am disappointed these decisions. This service is the only direct method of transport between Paisley and Inchinnan for the villages, as well as the only regular hourly service for those travelling to Johnstone.
“With limited buses to Linwood and now a less frequent service to Johnstone, this decision will have a direct impact on the elderly and those who work in surrounding areas.
“With the announcement of this just days ago, I have already had constituents contacting me with major concerns over their future ability to travel out of the villages.
“With such short notice until the service is removed and no alternatives put in place, I will be writing to McGill’s to ask why this decision was made and enquire if anything can be put in place to ease the disruption for those who rely on this service.”
Ralph Roberts, McGill’s managing director, says the company has been forced to subsidise the services since taking them over in 2013, but can no longer afford it.
He said: “In the current climate we have a choice, to constantly increase fares or cut back services that require high internal subsidy from other busier services – this pains us greatly and is always a last resort. We would like to thank our regular eight and 19 customers, and direct them to McGill’s alternative services.”
The number 19 bus links Paisley with Bridge of Weir, Houston and Johnstone while the number eight runs between Linwood and Johnstone.
I have already had constituents contacting me with major concerns Derek Mackay