GREENOCK-based bus operator McGill’s has won the prestigious Best Bus Service award at the UK National Transport Awards 2024.
The accolade was awarded at a ceremony in London last night for the McGill’s Glasgow Nightbus service
McGill’s has been recognised for its commitment to transforming Glasgow’s night-time public transport and providing a vital service to the city’s residents, visitors, and businesses.
The night-time bus network, introduced in August last year following the withdrawal of a number of existing services by First Bus, operates five key routes across the city on Fridays and Saturdays between 00:15 and 03:45.
The service, which spans major areas such as Shawlands, Paisley, Clydebank, and Drumchapel, plays an essential role in supporting the city’s night-time economy.
McGill’s Group’s triumph came against stiff competition from around the UK.
Ralph Roberts, chairman of McGill’s Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition for our Nightbus service. Buses are vital to Glasgow’s success, and we have worked hard to create a transport solution that supports the city’s night-time economy and ensures residents and visitors can get home safely.
“This award is a testament to our dedicated team who got our nightbus service up and running from a standing start last August and have worked exceptionally hard for it now to be crowned the best service in the UK. Importantly, it also highlights the continued efforts of McGill’s Group to enhance public transport in Glasgow and across Scotland.”
McGill’s night bus services are operated by a fleet of fully electric, zero-emission buses, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation. The group’s significant investment in clean energy solutions since 2021 has positioned McGill’s as a leader in environmentally friendly transit.
James Easdale, McGill’s Group co-owner, added: “Our goal was not just to replace First Bus’s night-time services, but to raise the bar in terms of service quality, sustainability, and convenience for passengers. We are thrilled to see the hard work of our team being recognised with this award.
“At a time when Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, councillors and campaigners are looking at spending £400million of taxpayers’ money each and every year simply to gain greater control over buses, there is perhaps a need to reflect on what can be achieved by working together with existing operators as McGill’s Group and Glasgow City Council did in this instance. It is an exceptional service and an opportunity still remains to work with private operators to ensure that the city’s public transport infrastructure can thrive well into the future.”
