A Scottish hospitality group owner has called for subsidised night-time transport services as Scotland’s largest city faces the threat of the withdrawal of late-night buses.
Michael Bergson, owner of the Buck’s Bar Group, spoke out after The Herald revealed plans to cut Glasgow’s night bus services by First Bus.
The restaurant and bar owner, which operates premises in Glasgow and Edinburgh, said the Scottish Government should investigate a subsidy programme across late-night travel including the nationalised rail service.
The axe move prompted anger, with Scottish Licensed Trade Association managing director Colin Wilkinson saying: “Our fear is that people will simply not bother travelling into Glasgow city centre if getting home is going to be such a challenge.
"It’s extremely bad news for the city’s pubs, bars, restaurants, and clubs.”
The Herald’s Catriona Stewart broke the story that First Bus planned to cut Glasgow’s night buses with the firm saying as few as four people were using the service an hour.
Initially targeted to end somewhat abruptly at the end of this month, a stay of execution is under way until August 20. Duncan Cameron, managing director of First Bus Scotland, said the delay was “designed to provide more time for all partners – operators, politicians, public sector agencies and the hospitality sector – to review wider transport options late at night in the city”.
There was a plan to train bar staff to drive buses and another Scottish bus company, McGill’s, stepped forward in a bid to take on five of the 11 routes under threat.
UK bus companies were subsidised during the pandemic and in March 2023 when it was announced that First Glasgow and First Aberdeen are to receive a combined £18.6m in Scottish Government funding for a fleet of new electric vehicles. First Bus invested a further £16.4m in the green push.
First Minister Humza Yousaf and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon signed a letter with fellow impacted MSPs saying: “Ultimately, cancelling the night bus service will come as a devastating blow to many of the constituents and businesses we represent. We urge you to reconsider your decision to cancel the weekend night bus service."
Mr Bergson said: “Senior Holyrood Government figures were quick to criticise First Bus for cancelling late services so they are fully aware of how desperate the situation is.
“But where are the late services from our Government-owned rail and subway services?
“Most rail services run until 11pm and the subway closes at 6pm on a Sunday.
“The Government should practice what they preach and could look into ways of subsidising and trialling some late services.
“In London for instance a 24-hour Night Tube service runs on some lines Fridays and Saturdays.
“The late-night economy is a driver for the economy and generates tax-paying jobs.
“Governments benefit from those taxes revenues, private travel companies don’t.”
Also this week, deputy business editor Scott Wright turned the spotlight on why Scottish country hotels are thriving in a “perfect storm” of headwinds from inflation to staff shortages.
“Despite these pronounced difficulties, the market for buying and selling tourism and hospitality businesses seems as vibrant as ever – and particularly in rural areas”, he wrote.
Elsewhere, business correspondent Kristy Dorsey revealed that European parcel delivery group InPost has acquired a 30% stake in Edinburgh-based Menzies Distribution for £49.3 million, which includes a three-year option to buy the remaining 70% of the Scottish company, which employs 5,000.
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