Greater Glasgow

First bus boost for east end

Thanks to the city's biggest bus operator, First in Glasgow, bus passengers in the east end of Glasgow received a boost this week with the introduction of a new link to the popular shopping and leisure facilities at the Glasgow Fort Shopping Park.

First has revised the route of its service 40 (Clydebank to Easterhouse) on Monday to Saturdays between around 9am and 7pm to serve the Glasgow Fort, providing a bus every ten minutes from Barlanark, Shettleston and Parkhead to the Fort.

The new route operates as before to the city centre and Westerhouse Road but now runs via the Glasgow Fort, Auchinlea Road and Westerhouse Road in both directions.

The changes to service 40 - which also include an additional 30 minute service between Parkhead Forge and Glasgow Fort during shopping hours on a Sunday - will ensure that local bus passengers will be able to get where they want to go, when they want to go.

To welcome the introduction of the revised service to the Glasgow Fort, Alex Shearer, Executive Director of First in Glasgow was joined by Glasgow Baillieston MSP, Margaret Curran and Phil Goodman, Glasgow Fort Centre Manager.

Mr Shearer said: "Providing transport links to work, retail and leisure opportunities is a fundamental part of what we do, and I am delighted that the changes to service 40 will benefit our customers who wish to make use of the excellent facilities at the Glasgow Fort. Service 40 now provides a quick and easy way to get around and Im sure it will be welcomed by everyone in the local area."

Margaret Curran MSP was delighted to welcome the new services to the Fort: "The revisions to service 40 will make sure everyone can take advantage of the fantastic facilities at Glasgow Fort, and not just those with access with cars. I am delighted First has made these changes, which will benefit many people in our local communities and make sure that those travelling by public transport can enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else."

Phil Goodman, Glasgow Fort Centre Manager, added: "We are delighted that First continues to develop its direct services to The Fort and welcome the added convenience and improved access that this will provide for our customers."