CLYDEBANK’S unemployed have been spared from First Glasgow’s fare hikes as company bosses made a U-turn on increasing their travel costs. 

Passengers out of work had been hit with a 10 per cent increase in ticket prices, which campaigners argued would make it difficult for people to sign on for benefits. 

However, after the recent closure of six job centres in greater Glasgow – including Anniesland – the transport giant decided against the rise for unemployed bus users.

First Glasgow also defended the decision to increase fares for under 16s by more than 40 per cent and axe unaccompanied child concession tickets altogether, advising bus users to switch to mobile ticketing. 

Graeme Macfarlan, First Glasgow’s commercial director, said: “On reflection, and given the recent closures of a number of job centres within our network area, we have taken the decision to overturn the proposed 10p and 20p increase in the tickets for Jobseekers and freeze these fares at the pre-January 7 prices with immediate effect.

"This is a decision which we feel represents the best interests of this customer group as we recognise there is a potential for increased travel; this is at the root of our decision to reverse the proposed fare increase. 

“The change to a number of fares on January 7 incorporated a range of price freezes, price reductions and some price increases. 

“As part of a number of initiatives to speed up journeys we have heavily incentivised the purchase of tickets on our mTicket app. 

“Like many organisations, we recognise the importance of being mobile as part of everyday modern life. We are therefore urging our customers to switch to mobile ticketing, which will provide easier access to our services.”

Mr Macfarlan said the company recognised the 30p fare increase was a jump for under 16s but explained the cost had remained the same for some time.

He added: "I acknowledge that some single tickets for children have increased from 70p to a £1, however, these have previously been held for a number of years."