Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, is dismayed at news from First Glasgow that they are to axe the M4 bus route serving Kelvindale.

First Glasgow had agreed to trial this route on a six month basis following previous representations from Bob, but have now decided to axe it with no consultation, only four months into the trial, despite statistics provided by First indicating a 4% increase in passenger numbers over the previous 10 weeks.

Bob accepts that the current limited route may not be financially viable in the long term, but having undertaken a parliamentary consultation of Kelvindale residents’ views on bus services is confident that if some of the views of residents about the route and frequency of service were taken on board, a much more useful and viable service through Kelvindale could be developed.

Commenting, Bob said: “I was in the process of arranging a meeting with First Glasgow to discuss the results of my parliamentary consultation on local bus services when the news emerged that First Glasgow were looking to axe the M4 service in around 10 weeks. That is a premature decision by First Glasgow and I have urged them to reconsider. Given around 400 constituents have contacted my office sharing their views on how the route could be improved I would hope the company will engage in a meaningful way.

“I have been working hard to retain a bus service in Kelvindale since First Glasgow decided to withdraw the previous 4A service. Following representations First Glasgow pledged to trial a new M4 replacement service but with a frequency of only an hour and some issues over the route and timetabling it always looked quite fragile.

“I intend to meet First Glasgow as soon as possible to discuss what options exist to retain local bus provision.”

Notes:

Bob’s letter to First Glasgow.
Bob undertook a parliamentary consultation on how to better connect Kelvindale by improving bus services. He received 377 responses, plus a number of direct enquiries on related issues. Summary of the responses to the consultation.