As businesses across the City of Glasgow gear up for the busy winter season ahead, public transport operators have joined forces with Glasgow City Council and the Night-time Economy team* to launch a ‘Choose Public Transport’ campaign to encourage visitors coming into the city in the evening to make use of the wide range of public transport options available throughout the day and night.

On the back of a successful awareness campaign last year, ‘choose public transport’ highlights the travel options available across the City from bus to train, subway to taxi and of course cycling and walking, all of which help people enjoy attractions and social activities without using the car or having to navigate traffic and car parks.

Glasgow’s city centre is recognised as an UNESCO City of Music, is named the UK’s top cultural and creative city and has an international reputation for a night out, all of which contribute to a bustling city centre of people out and about enjoying the many attractions on offer including restaurants and bars, Winterfest in George Square, festive markets and late night shopping or going to the theatre and music concerts.

Glasgow has a wide range of public transport available, all of which run almost 24 hours a day, with easy to access ticketing options. Bus users in particular can make use of free travel on any bus using the under 22s and over 60s free travel passes or by purchasing a Glasgow Tripper ticket available on First Bus and West Coast Motors app, the ticket offers seamless travel on First Bus, Stagecoach Scotland West, McGills, West Coast Motors and Whitelaws buses. Rail travellers can also enjoy off peak ticket prices plus discounts using a variety of travel card options. For more information on public transport options please visit Traveline Scotland – www.travelinescotland.com

Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for Transport, Climate and City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow City centre has so much to offer at Christmas time and public transport is a great way to access its many fantastic attractions, from shops and hospitality venues to our festive events.  Visiting the city centre by bus, train, subway and taxi – or walking and cycling – is convenient and environmentally friendly and can really take the strain off a trip.” [Cllr Millar also recorded a short video for your use here – credit Spreng Thomson – https://we.tl/t-g59la31VkH]

Duncan Cameron, Glasgow Bus Alliance vice chair and Managing Director of First Bus Scotland said: “Glasgow city centre is preparing for the start of the busy festive season, and we hope that this joint campaign involving all public transport providers across bus, rail, subway and taxis gives people reliable travel options when they are enjoying the city’s night-time attractions.”

Kathleen McGee, ScotRail General Manager Glasgow Central, said: “ScotRail is proud to partner with Glasgow City Council and other operators to encourage visitors and residents to choose public transport this winter. Glasgow city centre really comes to life at this time of year, and there’s a number of transport options to help people make the most of it. We’d encourage those who travel by rail to plan ahead, check their journey on ScotRail app or website before they set off, and to buy their tickets in advance.”

SPT’s Director of Transport Operations, Richard Robinson, said: “Public transport is the best option for you, your family, friends, and work colleagues traveling around the region over the holiday period. With unpredictable weather at this time of year, a busy city centre with lots of festivities to be enjoyed, make life easier for yourself and let public transport take care of your travel needs during this time. Between Subway and all the other public transport operators supporting this important campaign, there are plenty of alternative options to get you about the city centre and beyond this year.”

Dougie McPherson from Glasgow Taxis said “Glasgow Taxis is a 24-hour and 365-day provider and we are proud to support the Choose Public Transport campaign. We hope everyone enjoys their festive nights out and stays safe by using to the marshalled Nitezones around the city.”

*Glasgow City Council has teamed up with the Glasgow Bus Alliance*, ScotRail, the Subway and Glasgow Taxis to encourage people of all ages to make the switch to public transport when they are organising their evening celebrations in the city as well as looking at walking and cycling options. Public transport operators collectively run 24hours a day offering flexibility for people celebrating into the small hours or night-time workers starting/finishing a day of work.