Glasgow bus service to be reduced as operator hit by 'staff sickness'

First Bus services across Glasgow are to be scaled back this week as the operator is hit by staff shortages due to coronavirus.

The bus operators have apologised after revealing they have extended their festive timetable, after being hit with ‘higher than normal levels of staff sickness’.

The reduced festive timetable service, which was due to end on January 4, has now been extended to January 7.

First Bus have said they are looking to counter this with additional early morning services, which they hope to begin on January 10.

Duncan Cameron, interim managing director for First Bus, said: “Along with many other organisations up and down the country, we are experiencing a higher than normal level of staff sickness and absence due to the current wave of Omnicron cases. The safety of our staff and customers will always be our number one priority.

“As a result, we have had to introduce a temporary reduced timetable across our Glasgow network. This means that our current festive service level, due to end on January 4th, will now continue on 5th, 6th and 7th of January, but we will look to supplement this with additional early morning journeys as and when resource allows, which we anticipate starting from January 10th.

“We are doing everything we can to minimise disruption to services and inconvenience to our customers and our teams are working extra hard to ensure as many buses run as is possible.

“We’ll be reviewing the situation on an ongoing basis and when absence levels improve, we’ll be working hard to reinstate more services as a matter of urgency

“We are continuing to do everything we can to support and look after our colleagues whilst in the workplace with hand sanitizer, face coverings and enhanced cleaning taking place to minimise the risk of transmission of the virus. Our local teams continue to ensure our vehicles are cleaned regularly to a high standard.”

“I would like to apologise in advance to all customers who are affected by these timetable changes. For the latest information, we will continue to provide regular updates on services in Glasgow through our local websites www.firstglasgow.com and our social media platforms.”