A FUMING politician has slammed bus bosses for scrapping all-day student tickets – a move which has left many paying 50 per cent more for their travel.

McGill’s, which runs services across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, introduced changes to its fares on Monday, including a hike in adult single and return fares by up to 10p.

And there has been controversy over the firm’s decision to stop offering student all-day tickets, meaning those travelling up to three days a week will see an increase in fares from £3 to £4.50 each day.

Ross Greer, Green MSP for the West of Scotland, has invited McGill’s chiefs to meet with him and young people in the hope they will reverse the move.

He said: “This will be a major blow to local students, many of whom rely on McGill’s buses.

“In effect, it’s a 50 per cent hike in their fares overnight.

“This is a money-grab by McGill’s.

“I’ll be joining local Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament who are calling on McGill’s to reinstate student day tickets immediately.”

McGill’s insist the “ever-ballooning” cost of operating buses has led to the decision to scrap the all-day student ticket.

Ralph Roberts, the firm’s managing director, said: “For over a decade, McGill’s heavily subsidised student travel by up to 40 per cent.

“The ever-ballooning cost to operate buses has driven the need to review these fares. There are other great value student products.

“Mr Greer’s energies would be better spent combating the congestion which is causing the bus fares to rise in the first place.”