Night Bus Hubs launched in Glasgow city centre in bid to improve late-night travel services

Three new Night Bus Hubs will open in Glasgow city centre as part of efforts to improve late-night travel and safety.

The hubs will be operational on Sauchiehall Street at The Garage, on Hope Street at Watt Brothers, and at the southern end of Union Street from Friday.

They will be clearly signposted and provide a safe location, with marshals present and CCTV cameras in place.

Glasgow City Council bosses say the aim of the scheme is to promote the buses whilst easing pressure on taxis and private hires.

There are currently ten night bus services operating from the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights between midnight and 4am, during which time the Night Bus Hubs will also operate.

The hubs have been developed through collaboration between the council, Let’s Go Glasgow, First Bus and McGill’s Buses.

Bosses are hoping the £2 bus cap will also encourage people to use public transport.

Sean Murray, chief executive of Let’s Go Glasgow, said: “A city centre that feels safe, welcoming and vibrant after dark is good for everyone.

“This is fundamental to a thriving night-time economy. For the businesses we represent, making sure people can enjoy Glasgow with confidenceand get home easily at the end of the night really matters.

“That’s why Let’s Go Glasgow is supporting the wardens at the new Night Bus Hubs. Having visible, welcoming staff on the ground, alongside clear branding, will make the hubs easy to find and simple to use, taking the uncertainty out of the journey home.

“Better late-night transport is something our businesses have told us matters to them. By supporting the wardens, we’re responding directly to that need: helping people feel confident staying longer and enjoying more of Glasgow, while supporting the businesses and people that keep our city centre vibrant after dark.”

Graeme McFarlan, commercial director at McGill’s Group, said the new hubs will help passengers “feel more confident” about using night buses if safety measures are in place.

It comes as Police Scotland extended its city centre dispersal zone until December, meaning officers have the power to direct groups of two or more to leave if their behaviour is impacting others.

While meant to be a temporary measure, police say dispersal powers have been an “effective tool” in tackling anti-social and violent behaviour within the city centre.