Alexandria residents say re-routing of bus service is 'joke'

Buses 1 and 1A previously took commuters directly from Glasgow to Balloch, Alexandria or Helensburgh before the route was reconfigured back in March 2025 by First Bus. 

The reconfiguration means that passengers now need to change buses in Dumbarton town centre to a 204/205 or 206 to reach their destinations. 

(Image: Ian Miller, left, chair of Alexandria Community Council pictured with Harry McCormack, secretary of) Locals say the move is unwelcome and has left them with an inadequate service. 

Ian Miller, chair of Alexandria Community Council, said: "There's a big concern in the community over this change.

“From the hassle passengers now face of changing buses, it’s an inadequate service in comparison to what it once was. The decision doesn’t seem right."

He added: "We're told to look after the environment and are encouraged to use public transport but then it doesn’t meet our needs and we have to think of something else to use instead such as cars.”

The changes were introduced to improve punctuality and reliability of services for passengers. However, Ian says it has done the exact opposite. 

He added: "We were told that these changes were made to improve punctuality and to be honest, it has done the exact opposite for people who use that route to travel to work, go to school or attend appointments. 

"It's just not an adequate service and it is inferior to what we once had. I think that's indisputable, so for First Glasgow to say that it's to improve punctuality is an utter joke."

(Image: Pictures taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.) Ian went on to say that residents have called the new services an inconvenience. 

He added: “The community council has heard from people saying this change is going to be an inconvenience and it's going to take them longer to get where they need to go.

"Our secretary, Harry McCormack, sent out a survey and around a couple of hundred people took part. 96% of people said they were against the move. We've heard nothing but negativity about this."

(Image: Pictures taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.) However, First Bus have said the opposite is true, having recorded a 9% improvement in reliability of services 1 and 1A since the change has been implemented. Which they said is providing more reliable public transport options in the local area.

A spokesperson for First Bus said: "When we made the changes to services 1 and 1A at the start of March this year, alongside the addition of new local services 204, 205 and the existing 206, it was done with the aim of improving punctuality and reliability of services for passengers.

“While the network continues to be challenging across Glasgow due to road conditions and increasing congestion, we are pleased to share that we have seen a 9% improvement in the reliability of services 1 and 1A since the change has been implemented, providing more reliable public transport options in the local area.

“Further to the improvements on services 1 and 1A, we have had significant uptake of our new local services 204, 205 and 206 serving Balloch and Helensburgh from Dumbarton. This has been really encouraging and we are pleased to be able to continue connecting people and communities in these areas.

“We continue to welcome feedback on these services, which we will then use to inform any future adjustments to these routes."

(Image: Image of MSP Jackie Baillie supplied) Jackie Baillie, Labour MSP for Dumbarton, has previously spoken out against the decision, saying she is aware of community anger following the change. 

Jackie Baillie said: “I am aware of the real feeling of anger in the community over recent changes to First Glasgow bus services.

“I am clear that these service changes do not meet the needs of the community nor demands for modern, accessible and joined up public transport connections.

“My constituency office has been overflowing with complaints about what are essentially service reductions.

“I have raised local concerns with First Glasgow in respect of these unacceptable changes and will meet with the operator shortly to discuss the issue."

(Image: Pictures taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest.) Ian said the community council is continuing to gather support against the new routes and is looking to discuss how to take further action in future council meetings. 

The 1E service will continue to operate between Balloch and Glasgow, via Old Bonhill and Yoker.

For more information on Alexandria Community Council, visit www.facebook.com/AlexandriaCommunityCouncil