Strathclyde gets Microbus go-ahead
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an STRATHCLYDE Passenger Transport Executive has been granted short-term licences to operate for the disabled two Metroliner ser
The PTE had applied to operate Microbuses of up to 16 seats in the Paisley and Polink areas feeding Metroliner services between Paisley and Glasgow and Pollok and Glasgow operated by 49 seater vehicles (CM December 31, 1983).
It was opposed by Scottish Bus Group subsidiaries, two independents Graham Bus Service and McGill's Bus Service, the Paisley Taxi Owners Association, the Glasgow Hackney Carriage Association and the National Federation of Taxi Cab Associations.
The objectors did not oppose in principle the operation of special services for the disabled but they were concerned about plans to utilise the vehicles' freetime to ply for hire.
Agreement was reached on
the second day of the hearing that the Microbuses would be 11 -seaters; that the word "disadvantage" in the licence conditions would be changed to "disabled-; that they would only be available to people who had made prior bookings; and that they would not ply for hire.
As far as Metroliner services were concerned, it was agreed that they would be operated with 30-seater vehicles and that they would only be available to the disabled and their companions who had booked in advance or who presented themselves at the Metroliner terminal.
It was also agreed that the Microbuses would not pick up or set down at Paisley Cross.
The application for substanted licences for the services is to be considered by the Scottish Traffic Commissioners at a three day public sitting in January and the objectors will be given the opportunity to inspect the records of the Social Services department to see what use has been made of the services.