First Minister Humza Yousaf is backing First Glasgow's plans to preserve Pollok bus services after a slew of anti-social incidents.
Since the beginning of February this year, the transport giants have recorded 21 incidents on services 3, X8, 10 and 57 through the Pollok community, ranging from arson to bricks being thrown through windows that threatens the lives staff and passengers.
The public transport company has threatened to axe the vital service, however, constructive talks with police has resulted in plain-clothed police officers being placed on services.
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The First Minister, who is also the MSP for Glasgow Pollok, has acknowledged the difficulties being faced by First Glasgow in the area and insisted this issue needs full community support from across the political spectrum.
Humza Yousaf MSP, said: “The violent behaviour facing staff members is totally unacceptable – a point I reiterated to First Glasgow directly at a recent meeting.
“Rest assured, tackling this scourge of anti-social behaviour on our local buses is a top priority for myself, First Glasgow, Police Scotland and the communities these bus routes serve.
“As the MSP for Pollok, I will do everything I can to bring police, schools, First Glasgow and service users together to ensure we find a way forward that works in the best interests of the community – that maintains, and improves, the current level of service and protects First Glasgow staff and customers from violent behaviour.”
Duncan Cameron, Managing Director of First Bus Scotland, added: “The level of criminal and anti-social behaviour in Pollok has reached an unacceptable level in recent months and the time has come to take action.
“We have held a number of constructive discussions with Police Scotland and local councillors in the last two weeks. On Friday, April 7, we released a statement via social media to highlight the seriousness of this behaviour which included a threat that, if it were to continue, we would have to withdraw services in the area.
“While the reaction to our statement has been positive from community groups, we need to continue to build on the momentum to make sure we are able to maintain services safely and reliably for our staff and everyone in the community. We are very grateful for the First Minister’s support along with others which highlights how serious an issue this is.”
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