The Competition Commission (CC) is investigating First’s plan to withdraw a service and change some others in Glasgow.
The firm is looking to cancel the 64 between Carmyle and the city centre and change route 19 from Easterhouse to the city centre. Plans to change services between East Kilbride and Glasgow and from Airdrie to the city centre are also being looked at.
The CC is seeking evidence to ensure the changes are in line with undertakings given by First when it won the ScotRail franchise in October 2004 that it would not seek to use its monopoly in a way which would adversely effect passengers.
There were concerns it could shift passengers from bus to rail, by withdrawing bus routes.
Ronnie Park, MD, First Glasgow, told CBW: “The services we are seeking to change attract very few passengers. In many instances our buses carry just one or two customers which is clearly not sustainable. Therefore, we propose to alter our service provision so that we can better match demand and supply. We look forward to learning the CC’s verdict.”
