It has been confirmed that an alternative bus service will replace the outgoing number two route between Monklands and Baillieston – but Airdrie commuters will still miss out.
Last month First Bus announced plans to axe the the route that connects the area to Glasgow and terminates in Faifly, West Dunbartonshire.
The company cited a decline in passenger demand for the decision.
However, United Coaches have now agreed with SPT to provide a replacement route from this Monday, August 19.
However, the new route will start in Coatbridge , meaning three stops will be cancelled – Maxim Park, Clark Street and Airdrie town centre.
On top of that, the service will run on an hourly, daytime basis, leaving SPT searching for a second operator to take the route outwith regular hours.
The route vacated by First Bus is the only direct service that takes customers directly to Glasgow city centre from Airdrie, Coatbridge and Bargeddie.
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After leaving Airdrie it travels through Coatbridge town centre, Whifflet and Kirkwood before going on to Baillieston and subsequently Glasgow’s east end.
First’s decision to withdraw Monklands from the route and instead begin in Baillieston left passengers reeling, with dozens of angry commuters venting their anger on the Advertiser’s Facebook page.
An SPT spokesperson said: “The number two service between Ballieston and Airdrie is a commercial service and SPT has no powers to prevent the operator from withdrawing from this section of the route.
“This is obviously disappointing news and we are conscious of the challenges this will pose for some existing passengers.
“Following work to stimulate commercial interest by SPT, United Coaches will now run an hourly daytime, Monday to Saturday service between Coatbridge and Baillieston, via Bargeddie from Monday August 19 to ensure continuation of service for most passengers.
“SPT has invited the submissions of bids to operate a subsidised bus service outwith the operational times of this new service on a temporary basis so we can monitor travel patterns and usage.”
