Night buses could form a vital part of regenerating the UK’s struggling town centres, according to the billionaire Easdale brothers who own the UK’s largest independent bus operator.

ICC Member, McGill’s Group is considering re-introducing night buses to Glasgow after First Glasgow announced it would scrap its night bus service for Scotland’s largest city.

Night bus services could significantly boost the economy of town centres not just in Scotland but across the UK, according to the firm.

James Easdale, chairman of McGill’s, said:

“Successful town centres are vital for the UK’s economic, environmental, and social wellbeing.  We’re keen to see what is possible in Glasgow and if we can find a solution that is commercially viable, a similar model could be rolled out across the UK.”

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night-time Industries Association, agrees:

“Transport infrastructure is vitally important in maintaining a healthy night-time economy.

“Equally the safety of people working or going out at night and the ability to access transport at these times is the responsibility of government, industry, authorities, and the wider community. How we consider the safety of the community is reflected in future investment, growth, tourism, and people settling within an area.

“It is fantastic to see business leaders within the community speaking out, and I urge government and local authorities to come together to resolve the issues surrounding transport.”

Donald Macleod MBE, Convenor of Glasgow Licensing Forum and CEO of Hold Fast Entertainment Company, also endorsed the proposal:

“The call from the Easdale brothers for government funding to help stimulate a ‘night bus revolution’ across the UK is most welcome.

“No more so than in Glasgow, where the complete lack of a reliable night bus service, or indeed a well-managed integrated public transport system is being acutely felt and putting many businesses, jobs, and livelihoods at risk.”

McGill’s co-owner Sandy Easdale said:

“We have invested in a state-of-the-art fleet including the largest fleet of electric buses in the UK.

“Public transport should be a key element in joined-up thinking to boost local economies, reduce carbon emissions, and as a practical, low-cost solution for people facing a cost of living crisis.

“Buses are the best way to access town centres while being environmentally friendly, affordable, and convenient.”

Around one in seven shops and one in five shopping center units in the UK are now empty, according to British Retail Consortium figures.

Night-time workers in the UK number 8.7 million and night-time entertainment is the fifth largest sector of the UK’s economy.

McGill’s