(Image: Jane Barlow/PA)
Bus users in Glasgow have shared their opinions on the Scottish Government's latest public transport plans, as buses could return to public control.
First Minister John Swinney announced on Saturday that Holyrood is planning on bringing in public ownership of buses through franchising.
The plan comes following the introduction of the £2 bus fare cap which has had a positive response from the public since its introduction.
Franchising could have significant impact on bus routes, fares, and times, which has caused concern for users and independent bus companies.
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Bus company McGill’s have expressed their opposition to the plan, saying it could affect their business with potential job losses a potential a revenue decrease due to lower fares.
The opinions from the public varied when The Herald canvassed opinion at Buchanan Bus Station.
Catriona Sawyers, 64 said: "I stay in Fort William and the bus service there is awful.
"I think it's a good thing because more people could have a say in how the bus services are run."
Tess, 21 from Paisley had conflicted feelings as a young person who receives free bus travel.
She said: "Whatever they choose to do should be aligned with what the public need."
Alexandra McCleod, 57, explained how her disabilities have been affected by recent bus journeys.
She said: "I had to walk a long way to the bus stop because all of the other ones were closed off because of just one road that was getting resurfaced."
Some places in Scotland already have forms of public ownership.
Lothian Buses is a publicly owned and highly successful bus company in Edinburgh owned by City of Edinburgh Council, which has a 94% customer satisfaction rate.
Places across the UK have had positive reviews from public ownership. Buses in Manchester are owned by franchising model, The Bee Network.
Customer satisfaction has increased from 79% to 86% since the change in ownership, while journeys have increased 14%.
London’s bus services are owned through franchising, with a 76% customer satisfaction rate. Transport for London are currently working on launching a public transport operator called Buses for London which is set to be launched late next year.
Kenny, 61, originally from London, said "I lived in London, and it worked well there. As a user, I think it would be better here."
Alan McCall, 52, from Hamilton mentioned the new £2 fare cap, saying: "It could make it more reliable, it's already cheaper to travel so it could be a good thing."