FirstGroup to axe routes

TRANSPORT giant FirstGroup was yesterday given the green light to scrap seven loss- making bus routes in Scotland, after the Competition Commission said it was satisfied there was no reasonable prospect of them becoming profitable.

The commission said it had permitted Aberdeen-based First to vary undertakings it gave when the firm took over the ScotRail franchise in 2004. The changes will allow the group to withdraw six bus routes in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow, and modify a further eight in Glasgow. However, the commission refused permission for First to modify one other Glasgow route.

Officials found that First's proposals had not been designed to switch passengers from bus to rail services - the concern identified in 2004. Commission chairman Peter Freeman, said: "We believe that passengers will still have access to alternative bus services on the parts of the routes affected."

Services X1, X23, X24, X26, X32 and 58 in Edinburgh and 165 in Glasgow will be withdrawn.