East Renfrewshire’s MP has secured a meeting with a bus firm in a bid to reverse the removal of a “lifeline” service.
Kirsten Oswald will urge bosses at McGill’s not to axe the 52 circular route, which makes 16 stops in Barrhead.
It is due to run for the last time on Saturday, January 21, before formally ceasing operation on Monday, January 23.
We previously reported how passengers have been left fuming by the decision.
After presenting a public petition on this at the start of the week at Westminster, Ms Oswald subsequently raised the issue again in Business Questions.
She told the Barrhead News: “The number 52 Barrhead circular is of vital importance to the local community.
“The bus makes 16 stops in Barrhead and it provides transport to local schools, supermarkets, community facilities and GPs.
“I have raised the withdrawal twice at Westminster and I encourage concerned residents to write to McGill's and to sign Rena McGuire's petition.
“I have secured a meeting with McGill’s next week and I will be arguing for the withdrawal to be reversed.
“I am disappointed the meeting has been scheduled so close to the proposed date of withdrawal.”
Community champion Rena will also be joining the meeting.
The petition was set up earlier this week in a another bid to save the service.
It describes the 52 as a “well sought after service which disabled, older people and families use on a daily basis to go about their business.”
Scrapping the service, it said, would be a “huge loss to the community” and lead to “loneliness and health problems.”
It has so far received the backing of more than 500 people online, as well as those who have signed a paper version of the petition.
McGill’s have said the 52 route is being axed as it is “no longer economically viable.”
A statement published on the firm’s website last week added: “Passenger numbers on this route have only recovered to around 75% of the levels seen before the pandemic and, unfortunately, this service was already suffering significant losses pre-Covid.
“Therefore, the route will be withdrawn with effect from January 23, with the last day of operation being Saturday, January 21.
“The nearest alternative services are routes 3 or 51 on Glasgow Road or Main Street. The SPT MyBus route M91 is also available for those unable to access regular buses."
To sign the petition, click here.
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