Report reveals ‘shambolic’ state of Glasgow buses

By ALASTAIR DALTON
Published on 14/11/2012 12:36

A DAMNING report on the “shambolic” state of Glasgow’s buses was published by the Scottish Green Party today, revealing two in three passengers find buses unreliable and more than half have complained about services.

• Scottish Greens publish report that states 73 per cent of passengers do not view fare levels as good value for money, with two in three finding buses unreliable

• Results of survey in stark contrast to high opinion of Edinburgh bus services

• First Group question accuracy of report’s findings and are concerned that results are ‘not an accurate representation of the customer experience in Glasgow’

Glasgow Green MSP Patrick Harvie said the results of the survey, involving hundreds of passengers, came in stark contrast to the high opinion that bus passengers in Edinburgh had of services in the capital.

The survey also found 73 per cent of passengers did not view fare levels as good value for money, and fewer than half were happy with bus frequency.

Mr Harvie said: “The difference between the buses in Glasgow and Edinburgh is like night and day. So many people who contributed to the Better Buses survey expressed envy at the Lothian Buses service compared to the shambles we have in Scotland’s biggest city.

“We need to be prepared to invest properly in Glasgow’s buses, particularly with the Commonwealth Games on the horizon. If the average Glaswegian finds it baffling getting from A to B, think how embarrassing it will be when masses of visitors struggle.”

Mr Harvie said there should be tighter control of bus services to improve quality.

First Glasgow, the city’s main bus operator, pledged to take the report’s findings “very seriously”, but questioned their accuracy.

A spokeswoman said: “We have concerns the sample size would appear to be limited and therefore not an accurate representation of the customer experience in Glasgow. The results of our latest customer satisfaction survey, conducted during September, show our customers are overall satisfied with our service.

“Whilst pleased with that response, we recognise that we can improve. Punctuality and reliability of our services is actually very good.

“Customer feedback we receive about our drivers is generally positive. They receive customer service training and are expected to help our customers as much as possible - our drivers do a fantastic job.”