First Bus invests to continue modified Service 65 for local communities

First Bus has confirmed it is investing to continue operating Service 65 between Glasgow City Centre and Halfway on a modified timetable.

Following extensive engagement with the local community, local authorities and political representatives in recent weeks to understand their concerns, First Bus has committed to run Service 65 at a reduced hourly frequency from Monday 14th July.

The first trip towards the city centre will leave Rutherglen Town Hall at 6:42am, arriving at Osborne Street at 7:02am, and from Halfway at 7:07am, arriving at Osborne Street at 8:02am.

The operator announced the difficult decision to withdraw the service last month following a period of over 12 months where the route has consistently had insufficient passenger demand, meaning it was no longer sustainable.

First Bus has continued to collaborate with local representatives and South Lanarkshire Council in recent weeks and sought to address any local concerns regarding proposed changes to the service, particularly around the access to education and employment.

All stakeholders First Bus have met with have supported the service review and mitigation of any potential gaps by ensuring there is sufficient capacity on alternative routes.

The issue of delays and congestion remains one of the biggest challenges to running efficient bus services in Glasgow. Slower journeys increase the resource required to operate timetables.

First Bus is committed to improving bus services across Greater Glasgow and, as part of that commitment, it has invested over £3m since April in additional bus, driver and timetable resources across the city to increase the reliability of its services.

If buses were removed from congestion through bus priority measures, this level of investment could be used elsewhere on expanding the bus network in the city or into better fares.

Duncan Cameron, Managing Director of First Bus Scotland, said: “We understand Service 65 is a lifeline for many and we have worked hard to find a solution that ensures a modified version of the service can continue.

“While insufficient passenger demand has meant the service is no longer sustainable, our commitment to connectivity for local communities in Glasgow means we will invest to ensure the continue operation of the service.

“We have listened to the concerns raised and have engaged extensively with local stakeholders on the future of Service 65 over recent weeks.

“We recognise the passion towards the importance of bus travel in the city. We hope this is reflected in discussions and debates in government forums on the need to speed bus journeys up through more effective bus priority.”

ENDS