Bus axe sparks safety fears Villagers protest after SPT pull 307 service

27.07.2018 Campaigners in Lochwinnoch have voiced public safety concerns after a late-night bus service was scrapped.

SPT has axed McGill’s 307 service, which runs between Johnstone and the village at 11.20pm from Monday to Thursday.

The transport company said there was “nobody at all” using the bus service on some nights.

However, this claim was rejected by Independent Johnstone North, Ki l b a rchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch Councillor Andy Doig, who said it acted as a “lifeline” for some people.

He said: “I have several constituents who work in Glasgow and Paisley, who depend on the 11.21pm to get safely back home, and who tell me it is used, albeit by a small number of people.

“They nonetheless depend on it as an important lifeline.”

Meanwhile, the area’s Labour Councillor Derek Bibby and a constituent believe cutting the service poses a safety risk to commuters.

Councillor Bibby said: “This decision is yet another example of a disregard for the travelling public.

“I think there are other issues, such as public safety issues.

“The train station is a considerable walk out of the village along a narrow pavement that is not particularly well lit. It just adds to the feeling that we are getting overlooked here.

“My view is that Lochwinnoch needs additional services – not a reduction in services.

“I do think we should be able to reach an agreement to continue the service.

“People have to work late. There should be a bus available from the station to the village late at night.”

A constituent, who asked to remain anonymous, said she didn’t relish the prospect of walking home late at night after work.

She said: “I appreciate that the last bus may not be busy but for many people who work shifts this is their only way of getting back to the village.

“Also as a female, I do not relish the thought of walking from Lochwinnoch Station on a dark winter’s night as I live in Crookhill Gardens at the top of the village.”

SPT confirmed the service will remain in place on Friday and Saturday nights.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: “SPT subsidises the 307 service although for a short time McGill’s chose to operate it on a commercial basis.

“When McGill’s subsequently withdrew it, SPT had to step in again to subsidise it.

“As part of that process, we undertook surveys which identified that the 11.21 journey Monday to Thursday carried an average of less than one person over the weekdays, with nobody at all on some nights.

“As a result the journey has been withdrawn, although remains in place on Friday and Saturday nights.”

Meanwhile, McGill’s said the decision was outwith its control and declined to comment on the matter further.