Measures to increase bus patronage and the investment in zero-emission electric buses by McGill’s Group were amongst the topics of discussion during a visit by Scottish Shadow Transport Minister Graham Simpson MSP to the company’s Johnstone depot. The Shadow Minister met with McGill’s Group staff and Managing Director Alex Hornby for a tour of the depot and also visited Paisley to observe the McGill’s operation and meet customers and other colleagues.
Funding for the bus industry is said to have been a key subject of conversation, as were priority measures for buses in towns and cities which could increase service reliability and drive up bus use.
The Shadow Minister said: “It was great to visit McGill’s. We discussed a number of issues, not least the electrification of buses in Scotland. McGill’s has more than 100 electric buses and Paisley has the greatest proportion of electric buses anywhere in Britain. We also discussed some of the funding issues which affect the industry. Thanks to Alex Hornby and the team for their time.”
Alex added: “We were pleased to welcome the Shadow Minster for Transport to our Johnstone depot and chat through the latest developments at McGill’s Group and on transport policy more generally. Buses are so important to Scotland’s communities and economy and it is vital that we as a company represent the views of the sector to Scotland’s policymakers.
“McGill’s has more than 100 electric buses across four depots and these zero-emission vehicles have been a huge hit with passengers over the last two years. We want to increase the number of people who leave the car keys at home and choose to use these buses and we’re glad to take the time to speak to Mr Simpson, as we do with other MSPs from across the political spectrum, to enable that to happen.”
