Glasgow bus operators under fire as protesters call for reregulation

An SPT board meeting was underway as protesters from the STUC, Get Glasgow Moving and the Poverty Alliance called on bosses to use the new franchising powers in Scotland's Transport Act 2019 to reregulate public transport.

Ellie Harrison (Image: Gibson Digital)

Ellie Harrison, chair of the Get Glasgow Moving campaign, said: “We want our buses, trains and subway to be planned and coordinated as part of one system that makes it easy for everybody to get around without needing to own a car.

“That’s the norm in most European cities so it’s disgraceful that we don’t have that in Glasgow, the biggest city in Scotland.”

Dave Moxham (Image: Gibson Digital)

Dave Moxham, STUC deputy general secretary, told the Glasgow Times: "We’re outside here today because we believe that we need public control over our local buses."

He said franchising the buses, which would give local authorities more control over fares and routes, is "the first important step to democratic control that could lead to public ownership of our buses."

He added: “The way that Glasgow was built and the way that it developed outwards means that we have a whole number of very large communities who rely on public transport to get into the city centre.

"Now, that’s important for them and their social and cultural lives.

“But it’s also important for the city's economy because worker mobility is vital to good employment practice and a thriving local economy.”

SPT is currently developing a Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy (SRBS) to invest in the future of the buses.

Initial findings of the SRBS underlined fare increases well above inflation, shrinking network coverage, congestion delays and sustained passenger decline under privatisation.

Valerie Davidson, chief executive of SPT, said public sector support represented 56% of bus operator revenues in Scotland in 2021/2022.

This includes the Bus Service Operators Grant/Network Support Grant, concession ticket reimbursement and local transport authority costs for supporting bus services.

An SPT spokesperson said: “Phase two of the SRBS will consider all options to address such issues, including the provisions set out in the 2019 Transport (Scotland) Act, to present a preferred way forward in March 2024 – including the proposed operational and funding model, as well as timescales for delivery.

"SPT has been clear that any change must be founded on a robust and strong business case, with sustainable funding sources identified, and all risks and opportunities clear to decision-makers.

"Changing the delivery model will only be successful if there is recognition of the need to give priority to bus on the road network. 

"SPT welcomes the input and views of all interest groups and parties as we work towards developing and delivering the SRBS to ensure the bus network better serves the people and communities of the west of Scotland.”