A DRUMCHAPEL transport charity is gearing up to launch two new bus routes if it secures funding, the Glasgow Times can reveal.

G15 Buses has applied for a cash boost to help it move from a section 19 permit to a section 22 permit, which will allow the change from a dial-a-bus style service to a commercial operating programme.

The shift would mean instead of members of the charity pre-booking a specific route, they could visit a local bus stop and hop on - similar to any other private operator, such as First Bus or McGills.

Will Thomson, from the charity said: "Right now we can only offer a sort of calling bus service, but we can't stop at bus stops. This would allow us to make a real shift.

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"We would actually be putting people in jobs as well because we would be looking for a bus driver.

"We don't see this as just being about G15, this could be used elsewhere. It's affordable and helpful travel for all."

Charity bosses hope the move would help bridge the gap for "hundreds of residents around Dumbarton Road" who have been left without access to Glasgow's Southside.

Dubbed "Plan 1969", the routes are designed to replace two popular routes - 19 and 69 - with the first set to travel around Drumchapel, along Great Western Road to Anniesland before heading to Govan's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

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The latter will also begin in Drumchapel, moving on to Dumbarton Road through the Clyde Tunnel to the Southside super hospital.

Will added: "Limited access to the Govan area is detrimental for people in and around Drumchapel.

"There are so many job opportunities over that side that so many people just can't get to.

"The service revisions keep happening and the worry is that fares will then have to go up which leaves people in a predicament."

The cost of living crisis has seen services across the country scrapped while fares go up because covid-19 really has killed public bus services."

G15 has managed to continue with low prices - £3.50 for the Glasgow area and £5 outside the city - after another charity, JJ White, stepped in to help meet the difference.

The service is open to members only who can sign up via the website with transportation due to resume next week after the collection of a new bus which complies with the upcoming low-emission zone.