Glasgow bus services cancelled amid 'national driver shortage'

FirstBus has cancelled several journeys in Glasgow and surrounding areas amid a national driver shortage.

A total of 12 routes through the city will be affected by the cancellations that begin on Monday and the operator has asked customers to be understanding and not to “take any issues out” on drivers or other staff.

At least five of the cancelled routes pass through the city centre, with others affecting journeys from Hamilton, Motherwell and East Kilbride.

Commuters planning to use the service are advised to find alternative travel plans.

The following journeys, that will be operating on a reduced timetable, are expected to be disrupted on October 4 with much fewer busses on the road.

Service 18 – Greenhills via Glasgow City Centre
Service 21 – Glasgow City Centre – East Kilbride, Gardenhall
Service 201 – Hairmyres to Petersburn
Service 226 – Hillhouse – Hamilton Town Centre – Fairhill
Service 240 – Overtown – Glasgow via Wishaw, Motherwell and Bellshill
Service 241 – Cleland – North Motherwell, Watling Street
Service 254 – Newarthill – Motherwell
Service 255 – Hamilton to Buchanan Bus Station
Service 263 – Hamilton Bus Station – Buchanan Bus Station
Service 266 – Shotts / Newmains to Hamilton
Service 267 – Glasgow to Hamilton
Service X11 – Newmains, West Crindledyke – Buchanan Bus Station

A statement released through the FirstBus website confirmed the news, saying: “Due to the current national driver shortage which is affecting all sectors, the following journeys are not expected to operate.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please do not take any issues out on our team who are at work and operating our other journeys – it’s not their fault.

“They, like everyone else, are trying their best to operate as good a service as possible.”

Commuters have also been advised that services may be reinstated at short notice.

Updated information will be available from FirstBus website.