A bus service into Glasgow will be retained after a long fight from local campaigners - but only if people use it.

The X1 Hamilton to Glasgow route will be continued following increased passenger numbers after a campaign by locals. 

First Glasgow has said the immediate future of the service has been secured but warned the public had to use the service or it could face the chop again.

The company launched its own campaign to increase the use of the service to the South Lanarkshire route, including discounted tickets and rebranding buses in the route. 

READ MORE: First reverses decision to axe route but warns use it or lose it

Graeme Macfarlan, Commercial Director for First Glasgow said: "The removal of any service is always the absolute last resort in this scenario and something we do not take lightly.

"The hope now with the service is that we may now in time see a boost to passenger numbers given the level of public and political support for the service.

"But we must reiterate the support needed from the public if this service is to thrive and avoid any future reviews.”

The changes, including cutting prices on off-peak tickets and letting children travel for free on Saturdays, resulted in an 11% increase in passenger numbers last month. 

The service had been in decline for a number of years prior to First Glasgow’s announcement that it intended to close the route last year. 

The X1 had previously been averaging five off-peak passengers a day, despite packed peak-time services. 

First Glasgow reversed previous plans to scrap the service in October last year following a similar flight from communities in Lanarkshire and Glasgow served by the route. 

Hamilton politicians praised the move and encouraged constituents to make use of the 25-minute route. 

READ MORE: Outrage as 'vital' First Glasgow X1 service from Hamilton axed

Margaret Ferrier, MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West added: “We are urging as many people as possible to use the X1 service in the coming weeks.

"With the service up for review by First Bus at the end of February, it is crucial to the long-term future of the X1 route that we do not see a drop-off in passenger numbers.

“We need to do everything we can to ensure that communities across Hamilton have access to frequent bus services."