Fury over bus service changes
Furious local residents made transport bosses feel their wrath at a public meeting.
Arkleston and Newmains Community centre was filled to the brim with angry customers complaining to McGill’s Buses representatives.
Removing a direct bus link between Paisley and the Royal Alexandra Hospital sparked outrage for those who use the lifeline number 21 service.
SNP councillor for Renfrew South and Gallowhill, Cathy McEwan, attended the meeting in Renfrew on Thursday.
She told the Paisley Daily Express: “The public meeting in the community centre was a huge success.
“There was a brilliant turnout. It really shows how angry people are.”
Initially the number 21 service ran from Paisley to the RAH via intu Braehead shopping centre.
Now customers will need to get off at Renfrew Cross then wait for another bus, the 23 service, to take them to the hospital.
“People are forgetting that this means double bus fares,” Councillor McEwan added. “It takes more time and costs more. “Pensioners are especially affected by this.
“You never know when you will have to go to hospital to visit or for treatment.”
Representatives from McGills Buses, including one of its directors, Colin Napier, attended.
Councillor McEwan added: “I’m delighted to say that McGill’s assured us that they will absolutely consider adding some services during the day and at night that will run directly to the hospital.”
Over 700 signatures have been gathered for a petition to bring the direct service back, and Councillor McEwan hopes change will come into affect soon.
“I’m putting this petition to the council,” she added. “Now we just need to wait and see what McGill’s come back with.”