Major changes to McGill's Inverclyde bus routes and timetables

Company bosses say they are shaking up services due to rising costs and the retraction of Covid-19 recovery funding from the Scottish Government which has helped support local services since the start of the pandemic.

If the proposals are taken forward, the 540 service from Gourock to Clynder Road will be withdrawn, alongside the X22 from Greenock to Clydebank.

Several routes would have the number of services reduced between certain time periods, while others will change the stops that they visit.

Ralph Roberts, CEO of the McGill’s Group, said: "From April 1, bus operators in Scotland will no longer receive the ‘Covid recovery’ financial support from the Scottish Government which has aided delivery of local bus services since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

"We will therefore revert to having to cover all of our operating costs independently.

"This is no criticism of Scottish Government – the funding to date has allowed more bus services to run than would otherwise be affordable.

"The pandemic has resulted in changes to how, when and why people travel.

"More recently, the industry, like wider economy and the population at-large, has been hit by inflationary pressures - such as fuel, energy, materials and wage costs.

"It now costs us approximately 25 percent more to keep buses on the road than it did before Covid."

The bus boss says that, as part of the proposed changes, the firm has tried to alter its remaining services to cover the routes which have been withdrawn.

He added: "On most services, the number of journeys being made is between 80 to 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

"But, given the increased costs, this means we need to make some changes to routes and timetables - both to reflect current demand, and to ensure the future viability of our networks across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

"Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) have the power to step in with financial support where journeys or services are considered to be socially necessary.

"We have therefore advised SPT of these proposed changes so that they can weigh up potential replacement services.

"Just as Covid was unprecedented, we understand that these service changes post-pandemic are unique.

"Whilst we fully recognise the extent of service changes, we have worked hard to try and adjust other McGill’s services to cover some or all of the cancelled service routes.

"This detail is important as we shape the most efficient bus provision for the region moving forward."

Among the changes proposed are plans to reduce the timetable of the 507 on weekday evenings, with the service being withdrawn on Sundays.

Timetable reductions are also planned for the 517, 531, 532, 533, 545 and 550 services.

The 543 from Greenock to Leven Road will be re-routed from Kilmacolm Road to loop via Blairemore Road, Cardross Crescent, Shandon Place, Kilmacolm Road, Leven Road and Renton Road.

Councillor Tommy McVey, whose ward is serviced by several of the routes being reduced, told the Telegraph he found the changes to the 543 'ironic'.

He said: "It is not surprising that post-covid McGill’s are reviewing some bus routes given that more people are now working from home.

"Times are undoubtedly tough.

"I do however, find it ironic that they are re-routing the 543 bus to service the new housing just off Leven Road.

"Last year, in response to requests from local resident’s and the Greenock South West Community Council, I asked them to slightly divert the 545 bus to serve the new housing estate at the top of Bow Farm, which they declined to do.

"Thereafter, I appealed to their senior management on two occasions and did not even get the courtesy of a reply.

"Perhaps, McGill’s could demonstrate a degree of flexibility in planning some routes because there is clearly a demand from customers in the upper Bow Farm area and more customers means more revenue."

Gourock councillor Martin McCluskey has also expressed concern about the impact the changes could have on his constituents.

He added: "These service changes will be worrying to people who rely on bus services in Gourock.

"I will be meeting with representatives of McGill's this week to discuss the changes they are proposing and the impact it is likely to have on residents in Gourock.

"Across Scotland, bus services have been struggling since the pandemic and it's important that the Scottish Government and SPT engage with providers to ensure there is funding available to ensure the bus network survives.

"If anyone who relies on these services has any views on the changes, please get in touch with me so I can put your concerns and question directly to McGill's."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "We’re clear that the support provided to transport operators needs to evolve to make sure it remains fit for purpose and is sustainable long term. 

"The Network Support Grant plus was always a temporary fund; designed to provide additionality during Covid. 

"It was extended in June and it was extended again in October. 

"All bus operators who agreed to take part in the scheme signed up on the proviso that it would be finally ending this March. 

"A key agreement between bus operators and Transport Scotland has been the addition of extra funding to support a marketing campaign from Scottish Government, to encourage people back to bus.

"We provided £223m in emergency funding to support bus services during the pandemic and the Scottish Budget for 2022-23 allocated £410m in funding for bus services and concessionary fares. 

"Passenger numbers have been increasing since Covid restrictions eased earlier this year and we are monitoring patronage and service levels closely.

"Scotland has the most generous concessionary scheme in the UK. 

"More than a third of the population, over 2.3 million people, including everyone under 22 and over 60, and disabled people and carers, can benefit from free bus travel. 

"Additionally, the Scottish Government is progressing the Fair Fares Review to ensure a sustainable and integrated approach to public transport fares that supports the long term viability of our public transport system as we recover from the pandemic."