Night buses play a crucial rule in revitalising Britain’s town centres, believe the owners of McGill’s Group, who have been backed up by night-time industry figures.
McGill’s is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing night services to Glasgow after First Glasgow announced earlier this month the decision to end all 11 of its equivalents in the city.
Following widespread complaints from politicians and residents, First last week agreed to delay the withdrawal, which was planned for 31 July. Services will now remain until at least 20 August as the operator reviews the decision with stakeholders.
With large independent operator McGill’s revealing it would look at the business case for taking over, its billionaire owners are stressing the importance of night buses for the local economy, as well as services as a whole.
James Easdale, Chairman of McGill’s, says: “Successful town centres are vital for the UK’s economic, environmental and social wellbeing. We’re keen to see what is possible in Glasgow and if we can find a solution that is commercially viable, a similar model could be rolled out across the UK.”
His brother and the co-owner of McGill’s, Sandy Easdale, adds: “We have invested in a state-of-the-art fleet including the largest fleet of electric buses in the UK. Public transport should be a key element in joined-up thinking to boost local economies, reduce carbon emissions and as a practical, low-cost solution for people facing a cost-of-living crisis.
“Buses are the best way to access town centres while being environmentally friendly, affordable and convenient .”
Key figures involved with the night-time entertainment industry, which is the fifth largest sector of the UK economy, have supported the plea for government funding to protect night services.
Donald Macleod MBE, Convenor of Glasgow Licensing Forum and Chief Executive Officer of Hold Fast Entertainment Company, says: “The call from the Easdale brothers for government funding to help stimulate a ‘night bus revolution’ across the UK is most welcome.
“No more so than in Glasgow, where the complete lack of a reliable night bus service, or indeed a well-managed integrated public transport system, is being acutely felt and putting many businesses, jobs and livelihoods at risk.”
Michael Kill, Chief Executive Officer of the Night-time Industries Association, adds: “Transport infrastructure is vitally important in maintaining a healthy night time economy. Equally the safety of people working or going out at night and the ability to access transport at these times is the responsibility of government, industry, authorities and the wider community.
“How we consider the safety of the community is reflected in future investment, growth, tourism and people settling within an area. It is fantastic to see business leaders within the community speaking out, and I urge government and local authorities to come together to resolve the issues surrounding transport.”
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of First Bus Scotland, Duncan Cameron, says he is keeping an open mind and has urged the people of Glasgow to use the reprieve of the night services to show support by getting on board. The operator had cited a year-long analysis which revealed some services were operating with as few as 14 passengers per hour.
He says of the delay: “This move is designed to provide more time for all partners – operators, politicians, public sector agencies and the hospitality sector – to review wider transport options late at night in the city.
“It also gives an opportunity for the people of Glasgow to get behind the night bus services as we maintain an open mind regarding future options in conjunction with stakeholders should passenger numbers increase as well as our driver numbers.”
