Latest news with #MalcolmMitchell
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
First Bus 'cannot' run services across Renfrew Bridge
First Bus announced that it cannot run buses across the new Renfrew Bridge at present. The company stated that this is due to the 'unpredictability' of the crossing's closures. The 184-metre bridge is a twin-leaf design, meaning it opens and closes horizontally to let river traffic pass through. TheRenfrew Bridge (Image: Colin Mearns) As such, it can be closed to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists for up to hours at a time, depending on the level of river traffic. The bridge is operated by Renfrewshire Council. A First Bus spokesperson said: 'Unfortunately, as it currently stands, we are not able to operate a bus service across the new Renfrew Bridge.' It comes after we previously reported that there is a 'lack of public transport' crossing the river in this area. Councillor Malcolm Mitchell, who represents the Garscadden/Scotstounhill ward, raised the issue in a letter to SPT and First Bus following the loss of the Renfrew to Yoker Ferry. Councillor Malcolm Mitchell (Image: Archives) READ NEXT: 'All options must be considered' to save historic ferry The vessel stopped sailing on May 31 after a decline in passenger numbers following the opening of the Renfrew Bridge. Councillor Mitchell highlighted that the ferry had been the only public transport crossing the Clyde in the vicinity of the bridge, and its loss means there is no public transport crossing for a seven-mile stretch between the Clyde Tunnel and the Erskine Bridge. The Renfrew to Yoker Ferry (Image: Colin Mearns) He called for SPT to engage with bus operators - such as First Bus - and the local authorities surrounding the bridge to look at whether a viable timetabled bus service could run across it. If not then exploring the possibility of a shuttle service or the re-routing/expansion of current bus services south of the river to take in the new road network around Meadowside Street/Fishers Road. However, First Bus has since stated that re-routing/expanding its offering in this area is not possible due to 'strict conditions' on its service delivery and reliability. READ NEXT: Calls for McGill's to run bus service over Renfrew Bridge A First Bus spokesperson added: 'We are sad to see the loss of the Renfrew Ferry, a much-loved service for people in the local area. 'The obstacle to us rerouting existing services or adding new services to take advantage of the bridge is the unpredictability of the bridge closures, often for several hours at a time. 'As a bus operator, we need to operate under strict conditions around our service delivery and reliability, which is enforced by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. 'The unpredictable closures of the new Renfrew Bridge mean running a bus service across the bridge is not currently a viable option.' The Renfrew Bridge connects Yoker and Clydebank directly to Renfrew. Its completion marked the end of the £117million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project. This was led by Renfrewshire Council and funded as part of the £1.13billion Glasgow City Region Deal.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Calls to save historic Renfrew-Yoker Ferry after closure
The Renfrew to Yoker Ferry officially ceased operating on May 31 after a decline in passenger numbers following the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge. The vessel was one of the country's oldest river crossings and was said to have relied solely on passenger fares. Following the announcement, there was an outpouring of sadness from commuters who depended on the link between the north and south banks of the River Clyde. Now, Councillor Malcolm Mitchell has written to transport bosses SPT and First Bus, local authorities surrounding the bridge, and Glasgow's convenor for transport, calling to save the ferry. Cllr Mitchell, who represents the Garscadden/Scotstounhill ward, told the Glasgow Times that the loss had 'exposed a wider lack of transport' across the river and that action must be taken. READ NEXT: Renfrew to Yoker ferry closes with 'immediate effect' He said: 'The Renfrew-Yoker Ferry has been an institution in the local area for generations. All options to preserve it must be considered. 'Just a few weeks ago, Glasgow City Council (GCC) unanimously backed my motion about the River Clyde, acknowledging the importance of North-South connections. 'What the potential loss of the ferry exposes is a wider lack of public transport across the river. 'Public transport is so important for opening up work, education and training opportunities. "Providing an enhanced public transport offering that connects Yoker and the wider area with Glasgow Airport, Braehead and the QEUH would be hugely beneficial." In his letter, Councillor Mitchell highlighted that the ferry had been the only public transport crossing the Clyde in this area. Its loss now means there is 'no public transport crossing' on the Clyde for a seven-mile stretch between the Clyde Tunnel and the Erskine Bridge. READ NEXT: 'Outrage' at plans to install bin hubs in Glasgow community As such, he is urging SPT to engage with the ferry operator, Glasgow City Council, Renfrewshire Council, and West Dunbartonshire Council to investigate the possibility of allowing the service to continue 'in some form' – possibly a heavily subsidised form. Councillor Mitchell further called for engagement with bus operators and the aforementioned local authorities to look at whether there is a viable timetabled bus service that could run across the bridge. If not, then exploring the possibility of a shuttle service or the re-routing/expansion of current bus services south of the river to take in the new road network around Meadowside Street/Fishers Road. An SPT spokesperson commented: 'The Renfrew–Yoker ferry operated on a commercial basis. "SPT has received correspondence from Councillor Mitchell and will respond in due course.' A petition has also been launched on to save the vessel and has so far gathered more than 1200 signatures. READ NEXT: Teams crowned winners at Glasgow's Govan Fair Cup A statement published to the page reads: 'We fully recognise this wasn't an easy decision, and we thank those who kept the service running as long as they could. 'The impact on local people has been immediate and significant. School pupils, elderly residents and commuters now face much longer, more complex journeys and the bridge, while welcome, doesn't fully replace the ferry, especially when it lifts for river traffic. 'And crucially: the new Renfrew Bridge isn't always open. As a swing bridge, it regularly closes for river traffic, sometimes for hours at a time. 'During those periods, pedestrians, cyclists, and road users are left with no quick or easy alternative. The ferry offered a consistent route regardless of ship traffic, something the bridge can't match. 'We're calling on Renfrewshire Council, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to explore all options and keep this historic route alive, before it's lost for good.' A GCC spokesperson commented: 'We will consider the details on any proposals around the Ferry service, and will respond in due course.' Renfrewshire Council declined to comment. First Bus and West Dunbartonshire Council have been contacted for comment.
