A BARRHEAD woman with mobility problems is calling on McGill’s to provide passengers with the service “they deserve” after often having to wait up to 40 minutes for a bus to arrive.

Mary Kennedy, who struggles to stand for any length of time, regularly takes the number 51 bus from Auchenback to Paisley – a route which, according to timetables, should operate every 12 minutes during peak times.

However, she has described the service as “abysmal” as she regularly endures long delays, only for two or three buses to then arrive at almost the same time.

Mary, 58, told the Barrhead News: “I take the bus to either the Main Street or Paisley. I can use a number 3, if it comes, if I’m only going to Main Street but, if I’m going into Paisley, it’s got to be the 51.

“It’s the 51 that seems to be the main problem. It’s been an issue for a long time but, recently, it’s got even worse.

“McGill’s are saying they don’t have drivers and I appreciate that, during Covid, there was a problem but how can they have three 51 buses running right after each other if they don’t have drivers?

“To me, it’s mismanagement and a timekeeping issue.”

Mary insists passengers in Barrhead are being short-changed by the current bus service.

“I don’t drive, so I rely on buses to get from A to B, but it’s not just about me. I took early retirement, so I don’t need to get anywhere for a specific time, but other people are trying to get to interviews, appointments or their work.

“You could get sacked if you don’t turn up or are continually late.”

Fellow passenger Debbie McEwan lodged a formal complaint with McGill’s after describing the 51 service as “a shambles.”

She said she received a reply telling her how to access the McGill’s app – which she already uses – so she can track buses, with the company also issuing an apology and informing her they are trying to address any problems.

Debbie added that she has since noticed a slight improvement in the service being provided but still wants to see more buses in operation.

Linda Callanan is another passenger who has voiced frustration over the area’s bus services, which she describes as “disgraceful.”

She told how displays at bus stops often tell passengers a service is due to arrive, only for the message to then disappear without the vehicle turning up.

Linda added: “When you are waiting in Paisley for the number 51, the number 26 seems to be every five minutes.

“No area needs a bus that often. They could take one 26 off and give it to us.”

McGill’s did not respond to a request for comment when contacted by the Barrhead News.