A new bus scheme in Glasgow city centre aims to help the city's night life.
Starting Friday 23 October, three night bus hubs will be available to help late night travellers get home safely.
They will operate from existing bus stops which will be signposted with specific, clear branding.
The hubs will be from Hope Street at Watt Brothers, Sauchiehall Street at The Garage, and the south of Hope Street.
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The plan aims to bring more safety and accessibility to Glasgow’s night life and help ease tension on taxi companies.
The buses will run on Friday and Saturday nights, between midnight and 4AM.
No existing services on the routes will be affected and will proceed from those stops as normal.
Night Bus hubs signage (Image: Glasgow City Council)
The scheme is a collaboration with City Centre Taskforce, Glasgow City Council, Let’s Go Glasgow, First Bus and McGill’s Buses.
Funding has been received from Let’s Go Glasgow to provide marshalling of the bus hubs, as well as CCTV watching the areas.
Chief executive of Let’s Go Glasgow BID, Sean Murray said: “A city centre that feels safe, welcoming and vibrant after dark is good for everyone. This is fundamental to a thriving night-life economy. For the business we represent, making sure people can enjoy Glasgow with confidence, and get home easily at the end of the night, really matters.
"That’s why Let’s Go Glasgow is supporting the wardens at the new Night Bus Hubs. Having visible, welcoming staff on the ground, alongside clear branding, will make the hubs easy to find and simple to use, taking the uncertainty out of the journey home.
"Better late-night transport is something our business have told us matters to them. By supporting the wardens, we’re responding directly to that need: helping people feel confident staying longer and enjoying more of Glasgow, while supporting the business and people that keep our city centre vibrant after dark.”
Cllr Angus Millar, conveyor for city centre recovery and transport said: “Enhancing night-time transport options are an important part of supporting Glasgow’s night-time economy, and the city centre’s new Night Bus Hubs will help people enjoying a night out or working late to confidently plan their journey and get home more easily. This initiative will improve the night bus offer in the city and help make night buses an easier and more attractive option for the many people who enjoy a night out in the city centre or work in the pubs, clubs, restaurants, and other businesses there.”
A bus (Image: Glasgow City Council)
Ryan Sorley, commercial manager of First Bus in Glasgow, said: “The Night Hub buses are a brilliant addition to the city network. Welcoming features and on-street advice will further enhance the experience for customers and make buses the obvious choice for travelling home after a late night in the city. Through working together in the Glasgow Bus Partnership, we are also supporting the hubs and simpler travel with ticket acceptance among other operators. Our night services are included in the £2 fare cap and I would remind concessionary pass holders and those aged under 22 that they can travel at all times of the day.”
Graeme McFarlan, commercial director at McGill’s Group said: “We welcome Glasgow’s new night bus hubs, which will make it easier for people to find their bus and plan their journey home. Clearly signposted stops, with lighting and CCTV coverage, will help passengers feel more confident about using night buses and support the businesses and workers who keep Glasgow’s night-time economy moving.
"With the £2 fare cap now covering McGill’s Night Bus services, taking the bus home after a night out or a late shift is even more attractive. The hubs will help raise awareness of the services available, while the lower fare makes them even better value for money. Together, these improvements give people more reason to come to Glasgow City centre and then choose the bus for their journey home.”