9 April 2008
More bus wardens take to the streets
SPT has expanded its Bus Wardens Scheme into East Renfrewshire.
Following the success of schemes in Paisley and South Lanarkshire, Service Compliance Inspectors have now started work in Barrhead, on behalf of East Renfrewshire Council and the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland.
The aim is to make sure that bus companies comply with bus industry regulations.
Bus wardens will target “cowboy bus operators” in a bid to improve the standard of bus provision across East Renfrewshire.
In total, SPT has now recruited nine wardens who operate in Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire.
Chair of SPT, Councillor Alistair Watson said: “We want to make sure bus operators are doing what they’ve agreed to do.
"A number of hotspots have been identified across East Renfrewshire and those areas will be specifically targeted.”
Councillor Watson added: “Those who are adhering to the rules have absolutely nothing to worry about but the rogue operators who are infringing conditions will have to raise their game or pay the price.”
If irregularities are detected, findings will be reported to the Traffic Commissioner who has powers to fine operators for non compliance and ultimately to withdraw licences.
Since the bus wardens began operating in Paisley, Renfrewshire, in November, they have moved on 1,040 buses found sitting at bus stops longer than they should have.
They have also recorded 173 instances of buses not displaying the correct information and moved on 228 buses parked illegally at bus stops.
Illegally parked
The scheme was also introduced in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on 15 February. Since then the inspectors have found 30 buses sitting at bus stops longer than necessary. In addition, 27 drivers have been asked to turn their engines off and 35 buses were found to be illegally parked.
Traffic Commissioner of Scotland, Joan Aitken, praised SPT for giving priority to Strathclyde's bus users.
She said: “More people depend on bus travel in Strathclyde than any other area of Scotland.
"Passengers need to know that the bus will turn up when it is meant to and in a safe and pleasant condition.
“I hope this initiative will spell the end to poor performing operations in the west of Scotland."
SPT member and East Renfrewshire Councillor, Eddie Phillips, said: “There is a clear public perception that the overall quality of bus services must improve and this is the first in a whole range of measures which will hopefully see this happen."