McGill’s Bus Services, Scotland’s largest independent, has made a robust response to a motion being put forward in the debating chamber at Holyrood.
The Motion, by MSP Ross Greer of the Scottish Green Party, claims that bus fares in Glasgow have risen by 40% for under-16s and 15% for adults.
In a comprehensive briefing document sent to all MSPs, McGill’s MD Ralph Roberts says: “Public transport is far too crucial to the public to be discussed in sound bites and incoherent and emotive sound bites. Furthermore, there are ‘misleading statements’ being put before the chamber and I shall offer the truth.”
He tackles the issue of fares, noting that McGill’s is being tarnished with a brush that does not apply to it, before going on to forensically dissect the other issues raised.
He points to the effects of regulation in London, with the pincer movement of increasing subsidy requirements, against frozen fares and increasing costs.
He adds: “Profit is becoming a dirty word and it is the job of our Scottish Parliament to temper this debate. The current trend to demonise profit is infantile and stupid. Companies must create profit or they wouldn’t exist. New buses and infrastructure could not be bought without profit.
“Pay increases, as called for by the unions, would not be possible. The fantasy state where high pay, low fares and a very young zero emission fleet, are not possible.”
In a statement the firm says: “McGill’s notes with disappointment the poorly researched motion being put forward in the debating chamber at Holyrood.
“We have sent a briefing note to all MSPs to make them aware of the facts so that an informed debate can take place.
“While we object to the misleading nature of the motion, we welcome the opportunity for a debate on bus services in the parliament – the bus using public deserve the attention of their MSPs, because is it those MSPs who are in control of 80% of the reasons for the changes taking place.”
