SPT have confirmed that this is an essential service and they looked at putting the route out to tender to see if any bus operator would take on this route due to McGill’s initially terminating this service.
SPT have now stated that the only bidder was McGills who will now receive additional funding from SPT to keep this service going.
Natalie Don MSP said: “I was contacted by a number of constituents regarding the threat of the McGills 530 Service between Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow being withdrawn and contacted Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to find a solution to save this essential service.
“I shared the concerns of my constituents that losing this bus service would have an impact on local residents and could increase the risk of isolation for many people.
“I contacted SPT to see if they could look into this matter and find a solution for my constituents and other residents. SPT agreed that it was an essential service and a subsidised service will now run, operated by McGills.
“I am pleased that a solution has been found to ensure that this service continues, even with a revised timetable. However the lack of suitable bus services across many of our towns and villages is an ongoing concern for many local people and something that I will continue to explore options to improve.