MSP seeks answers after bus service is axed

The 404 is currently suspended and in an e-mail to Mr Carlaw, First Glasgow confirmed that the bus route, which covers stops in Clarkston, Sheddens, Busby and Netherlee will cease to operate as the firm says it is no longer viable to keep running the service.

Robert Burns, stakeholder engagement officer (Scotland), wrote: “First Bus is facing an unprecedented challenge at the present time which currently sees us only being able to operate buses at a significantly reduced capacity. This means that the cost of running any bus service is now much higher against a backdrop of much lower revenue.

“We therefore need to prioritise all resource where it is most useful to help alleviate the issues caused by social distancing restrictions, and also meet demand for services where we have capacity issues due to high passenger volumes.

“With that in mind, we’ve had to make some tough decisions and withdraw a number of marginal routes from our overall network, which are simply no longer viable to run in the current climate – this includes the currently suspended service 404, which will not be returning next term.

“While I very much regret any inconvenience that this will cause to those passengers that did use the service prior to the pandemic, I do hope that at the very least we’ve been able to outline the reasons behind these difficult decisions.”

Mr Carlaw responded to convey his regret that this decision has been made by the bus operator and to seek a detailed justification for why the service is being cancelled.

He has also asked if First Bus are able to advise whether there was any sustained drop in passenger usage on the 404 prior to its suspension and if the firm can confirm what alternative bus routes remain available for local people.

The 404 service covers bus stops at Fairfield Drive, Ashfield Road, Greenfield Road (Busby), Mansfield Road, Greenwood Road (Sheddens), Cecil Street, Mearns Road, Clarkston Halls, Stamperland Gardens (Clarkston), Beechlands Avenue, Williamwood Drive, Parklands Road and Bute Gardens (Netherlee) in Eastwood.

The pending loss of the 404 is another blow to the local bus network in Eastwood after changes made by First Glasgow to service provision in 2017 resulted in Polnoon Street and Montgomery Street being cut from the 4A in Eaglesham and the west side of Ayr Road was also removed from the Number 4 service in Newton Mearns.

Mr Carlaw said: “It is a disappointment to learn that the 404 bus service in Clarkston, Busby, Sheddens and Netherlee is to be cancelled by First Glasgow.

“Whilst I acknowledge and understand the financial challenges brought on by the current public health emergency and also the pre-existing financial difficulties for bus operators in Scotland, the permanent removal of the bus route will cause frustration for local people who make use of the service.

“The 404 includes bus stops located near popular local shops at Sheddens, Clarkston Town Centre and Netherlee and the cancellation of this service may reduce their accessibility for residents, particularly those who are elderly or do not drive.

“I have written to First Bus to seek a more detailed justification on the particular reasons behind this decision and to seek clarification on what alternative bus routes are available for constituents.

“Eastwood has suffered in previous years from cuts to valued local bus services in Eaglesham and Newton Mearns and the cancellation of the 404 is another blow for the bus network in the constituency.”