Story perspectives

Glasgow to Re-Public Own Buses Amid Falling Ridership

6/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

SPT drafted an action plan to return Glasgow’s bus network to public ownership for the first time since the 1980s.
The plan includes franchising tests that will run through 2028.
Passenger share dropped from 48% in 2007/08 to 39% in 2023, sparking worries about cuts and fare hikes.
McGill’s and First Bus argue the plan is costly and could harm current high satisfaction.

History

Historical Context

The Transport Act 1985, introduced by the Conservative government and effective October 1986, deregulated bus services across Great Britain except Greater London. This followed earlier reforms such as the 1968 Act, which created passenger transport authorities, and the 1980 Act that began coach deregulation. In 2024 Glasgow’s Scottish Public Transport board drafted an action plan to re-introduce municipal franchising, directly reversing the post-1985 privatization trend.

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Story summary

SPT drafted an action plan to return Glasgow’s bus network to public ownership for the first time since the 1980s.
The plan includes franchising tests that will run through 2028.
Passenger share dropped from 48% in 2007/08 to 39% in 2023, sparking worries about cuts and fare hikes.
McGill’s and First Bus argue the plan is costly and could harm current high satisfaction.

1 / 2