19 April 2007
SPT launches overnight bus scheme
Nightrider service to operate on Subway route
From tomorrow (Friday 20 April), Glasgow's revellers and shiftworkers will have a new way of getting home throughout the night - the Subway Nightrider.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport today (Thursday 19 April) launched an overnight bus service to operate after the Subway closes at weekends.
Starting tomorrow, the Subway Nightrider service will run from 11.40pm on Friday and Saturday nights until the Subway re-opens the next morning. On Sundays, it will operate from 6pm until 11.30pm.
Six buses will provide clockwise and anti-clockwise journeys every 20 minutes along the route of the Subway circle. The buses will stop at each Subway station, just like the underground system.
SPT has awarded a contract to First Bus to provide the service for 15 months. Both vehicles used will be fully accessible to wheelchair users and will be equipped with CCTV cameras.
SPT's Assistant Chief Executive Gordon Maclennan said: "We know there is a demand for better late-night public transport in Glasgow, particularly for people trying to get home after a night-out.
"We believe the Subway Nightrider will help support Glasgow's thriving nightlife by offering a greater choice of transport in the city overnight. It will also benefit shiftworkers making their way to work for an early start."
At the moment it is not possible to extend the Subway's opening hours due to restrictions in staffing and maintenance.
This service means there will now be round-the-clock public transport in the city at weekends. It will bridge the gap between the Subway closing at night and re-opening the next morning.
A First spokesperson said: "The vehicles used on this route will be fitted with CCTV cameras to provide additional security for our passengers. Together with the existing frequent night service network, it is hoped that this new service will encourage more people to use the bus to get home after a night out."
Find out more about Subway Nightrider.
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Notes to editors
- There will be a flat fare of £2.00 to use the Subway Nightrider.
- The service will operate from 11.40pm on a Friday night until 6.30am on a Saturday. It will run from 11.40 hrs on a Saturday night until 10am on a Sunday. And it will operate from 6pm until 11.30pm every Sunday night.
- The cost of the contract awarded to First Bus is £296,303. To increase the Subway's opening hours, from 6.30pm to 11pm on a Sunday only, would cost £540,000 a year.
- The buses will stop as close to the Subway stations as the road network allows.