First Bus have decided to keep the Hamilton to Glasgow X1 bus route open.
Thousands of people had signed a petition since the plan to axe it was revealed two weeks ago.
However the firm are encouraging more people to use the service, so that it doesn’t face threat again due to declining numbers.
Graeme Macfarlan, commercial director for First Glasgow said: “At First Glasgow, we conduct a review of our network on a regular basis to ensure that our coverage remains in line with demand for our services in a given area.
“The Service X1 is a route that has been in decline for a number of years in terms of passenger numbers, despite a number of efforts to make the route attractive to service users. The removal of any service is always the absolute last resort in this scenario and something we do not take lightly.
“Despite the numbers involved in the very public petitions against the removal of this service, we are simply not seeing this level of customer volume actually using the service. This must change if the service is to have a long-term and viable future as a commercial service, but we have taken on board the strong views of the paying public and local stakeholders who we have met with.
“As a result, we have taken the decision to reinstate the service as of October 27. This registration has now been accepted by the Traffic Commissioner’s office, meaning there will be no gap in service from a customer’s point of view.
“The hope now with the service is that we may now in time see a boost to passenger numbers given the level of public and political support for the service.
“We will be looking to further support the service with a promotional and fares package in the coming weeks as a last resort attempt to boost the service. Should this not transpire over the next three or four months, then the future viability of the service will once again be under review.”
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