MSPDon reliefas busroute issaved

McGill’s has been awarded a subsidy to keep running a bus route after threatening to cut the service.

The firm had planned on terminating the 530 service, which runs from Port Glasgow to Kilmacolm, but Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) stepped in to save the route.

SPT put the route out to tender after being informed by McGill’s that they planned to stop running it.

And they received just one bid to take the service on – from McGill’s.

The firm is now receiving £26,000 to run the service until July.

An SPT spokesperson said: “SPT issued a temporary tender to cover aspects of the 530 service operating between Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow.

“This follows the disappointing announcement by McGill’s that it was withdrawing the commercial 530 service.

“Further to this exercise, McGill’s – who were the sole bidder – were subsequently awarded the contract which will run from Monday, January 23 until Saturday, July 15.

“This contract ensures that the communities of Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow remain connected by public transport.

“Without this action, these communities would have no bus service.”

SPT were contacted by Renfrewshire North and West SNP MSP Natalie Don who had received representations from passengers.

She said: “I shared the concerns of my constituents that losing this bus service would have an impact on local residents and could increase the risk of isolation for many people.

“I contacted SPT to see if they could look into this matter and find a solution for my constituents and other residents.

“SPT agreed that it was an essential service and a subsidised service will now run, operated by McGill’s.”

However, the politician raised concerns about bus provision in the area more generally as people bid to get around.

“I am pleased that a solution has been found to ensure that this service continues, even with a revised timetable,” she added.

“However, the lack of suitable bus services across many of our towns and villages is an ongoing concern for many local people and something that I will continue to explore options to improve.”