'We definitely had an impact': Campaigners rally outside Glasgow SPT office over bus fares

Public transport campaigners, Get Glasgow Moving, claim Friday's rally 'definitely had an impact' after the group received acknowledgement for the first time from the regional transport partnership. 

Newsquest, Colin Mearns (Image: Newsquest, Colin Mearns)

The people-led campaign is calling on SPT to re-regulate bus services across Glasgow, cut and cap bus fares, and enforce a single ticket that works across all transport. 

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Rally organiser Ellie Harrison, 43, chair of the Get Glasgow Moving committee, said: "We sat in the board meeting after the rally and the chair of the board acknowledged our protest and petition. 

"We've been lobbying SPT for a long time, so it was really good to be recognised, we are pleased." 

Newsquest, Colin Mearns (Image: Newsquest, Colin Mearns)

Newsquest, Colin Mearns (Image: Newsquest, Colin Mearns)

She continued: "It was a really great turnout. 

"There was a fantastic age range, which I think is really important, and the Clydebank Trade Union was there so we had support from across the region."

However, Get Glasgow Moving claim SPT are still 'missing the point'. 

Newsquest, Colin Mearns (Image: Newsquest, Colin Mearns)

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Ellie said: "People at SPT don’t understand all they can do for the future. 

"We’re trying our best to educate them and to get them to act in interest of passengers, but the issue of fares was barely even discussed in the meeting. 

"We want a transport strategy with actual figures and a fair structure, but they're just not being bold."

Newsquest, Colin Mearns (Image: Newsquest, Colin Mearns)

The petition was meant to be handed over to SNP councillor Stephen Dornan, however was instead collected by an STP officer, which the group said was "frustrating".

Ellie added: "This is just another small step on our campaign, which continues.

"We’re going to keep up the fight. It's a long one, but we’re going to keep the pressure up."

Newsquest, Colin Mearns (Image: Newsquest, Colin Mearns)

An SPT spokesperson said: “SPT has engaged with GGM several times and clarified that SPT does not have the necessary legal powers to simply cap fares as they suggest.

"We have also outlined the importance of undertaking due diligence on all options in terms of bus network delivery options.

"However, to clarify while the Transport Act may have given local authorities new powers to operate bus services, these did not, unfortunately, come with any additional resources to make this happen.

"The realities are, any progress in this area needs to be fully funded by Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government.”