Bus boss called out over changes to local route
The boss of bus firm McGill’s has been taken to task after a route through an area of Halfway was cut.
James Kelly MSP and Councillor Walter Brogan have both written to the company’s chief executive, calling on him to reverse the decision to change the 172 route.
The bus ran from Halfway to East Kilbride through Dechmont.
However, McGill’s recently revealed that as of last week, the service will no longer call at Deans Avenue, Dechmont Avenue, Gilbertfield Road or Castle Chimmins Road.
Glasgow list MSP Mr Kelly said: “The 172 is the only service that passes right through the Dechmont area, which is home to many older people who rely on the service.
“The hill from the Main Street is a significant incline. Many constituents are worried about how they will manage.
“If there are underlying reasons for such changes, the community should be made aware.
“Rather than cutting down on routes that serve as a lifeline for many people, McGill’s should work with the community to seek a solution that benefits all parties.”
Echoing Mr Kelly’s calls for a rethink, Cllr Brogan said: “As this area continues to see expansion, vital services are being removed.
“This area is currently undergoing further development which will bring more new residents. The need for this bus service is only going to increase with the increase in new homes.
“Young families, older constituents and people travelling to work or school are often reliant on the bus to take them on to other routes or on into East Kilbride. I will continue to call for the route to be reinstated through Dechmont.”
McGill’s managing director Ralph Roberts said: “There have been a number of issues with access on this route, one of which is householders blocking the roadway with unused cars.
“We operate this service under the contract to SPT and we do not schedule or make the changes, we simply react to their instructions. We are happy to operate whatever route SPT instruct but it has to be capable of being operated legally.”