McGill’s Buses has been fined a total of £29,700 after an inquiry revealed significant issues with its vehicle maintenance and punctuality. Following an assessment led by Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt, the Greenock-based company was found to be using the poor condition of its buses as a justification for failing to adhere to scheduled timetables.
In the wake of concerning incidents, including a bus catching fire, the inquiry examined McGill’s compliance with its operational license. The findings indicated that the company had not met expected standards in maintenance, management, and timely service delivery.
Investments and Improvements Following Findings
According to the Traffic Commissioner, McGill’s Buses had failed to maintain vehicles adequately and manage defects effectively, which eroded public confidence and breached licensing commitments. Evidence provided by Bus Users Scotland highlighted passenger dissatisfaction due to unreliable services. Data from monitoring and complaints confirmed that buses often did not run as scheduled.
Despite acknowledging the company’s efforts to address these issues, including investments in new systems and staff restructuring, Turfitt emphasized that strict measures were necessary to ensure compliance. He stated, “I make very clear that these operators can no longer use the poor state of vehicles as an excuse for failing to meet published timetables.”
In response to the inquiry’s findings, a spokesperson for McGill’s expressed regret for the identified shortcomings and noted the company’s commitment to improvement. “Since acquiring the business in 2022, we’ve strengthened engineering leadership, introduced detailed inspections every four weeks, and invested £14 million in a new fleet of thirty zero-emission buses,” the spokesperson said. “Safety and reliability are non-negotiable for our business.”
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Compliance
The Traffic Commissioner confirmed that McGill’s operations will be monitored closely moving forward to ensure that improvements in service reliability and compliance are sustained. The penalty was imposed under section 39 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001, a legal framework that governs public transport operations in Scotland.
The findings from the inquiry serve as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in public transport, particularly in areas impacting passenger safety and service reliability. With the significant financial penalty now levied, McGill’s must demonstrate substantial and lasting improvements in its operations to restore public confidence and meet regulatory expectations.
