Talks on bus plans extended
AN “OVERWHELMING” response has led Glasgow’s largest bus operator to extend its consultation on its service revamp.
The consultation, which was meant to end on Friday, continued until yesterday to allow more people to have their say. Now, proposals will be submitted to SPT for further discussion.
Ronnie Park, First Glasgow’s managing director, confirmed the company would continue to listen to customers following the deadline.
He said: “I’m confident we have a clear picture of what our customers’ think. However, I can assure our passengers and all our stakeholders that we will continue to listen to their feedback — there is plenty of scope, if required, to amend our proposals before submitting final plans to the Traffic Commissioner.”
However, local politicians Jim Murphy MP and Ken Macintosh MSP have lodged formal objections to the plans for a service replacement of the 44 bus.
They belive the proposal by First Glasgow in the upcoming shake-up would have an adverse effect on Mearns Road.
The bus is set to be replaced by a new 4 service.
Currently, the 44 passes through the road three times an hour for much of the day, with an increased morning frequency.
If the new proposal is implemented, the new 4 will run twice an hour for most of the week.
Eastwood’s Holyrood representative Ken Macintosh told The Extra: “These cuts will have a direct impact on accessibility to and from Newton Mearns and are bad for the whole area.
“Neither Newton Mearns nor Eaglesham are well served in terms of public transport as it is, particularly in the evenings and weekends.
“Many constituents working in Glasgow rely on the 44 and others, including the elderly, need the service to get to town or to the Victoria hospital for appointments or to visit friends and relatives.”
East Renfrewshire MP Jim Murphy hopes First Glasgow will reconsider.
He said: “The cancellation of the N44 last year was hard on people, particularly our younger residents.
“It means that many of them are forced to get a taxi home which, when boundary charges are included, makes it a very expensive option. This latest development just makes matters worse.”
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Weather for Glasgow
Sunday 26 May 2013
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