BUS bosses have done a U-turn on a fares hike affecting unemployed people in Glasgow.

Last week First Glasgow introduced a raft of fares changes which sparked outrage among passengers and politicians in the city.

It include increases of 10p and 20p on concession fares for unemployed passengers travelling in the city.

The Evening Times reported how Glasgow Labour MSP, Johann Lamont, raised the issue with a motion condemning the fares and calling for a reversal in the Scottish Parliament and with the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon who said she shared the concerns.

Glasgow seven MPs were also against the increase and wrote to First Glasgow highlighting the impact on the unemployed with six jobcentres closing in the city.

First Bus said it would review the increase for unemployed passengers taking into consideration the Jobcentre closures and has now confirmed it will scrap the rise.

Graeme McFarlan, First Glasgow 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-7th January 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.”

Politicians who opposed the rise welcomed the reversal but said the firm had to go further and re-consider the damage caused by the other increases too.

Ms Lamont said: “We can come this move. It is recognition the company is able to change decisions.

“They can and should go further. Young people are having to pay more for ticket than if they can pay using a phone.

“I will go back to First and ask them to reflect further on the impact on families.”

Stewart McDonald, Glasgow South MP who co-ordinated the letter, said the bus firm still had some way to go to repair its reputation.

He said: “This is a good start and it is to be welcomed, not least of all because the Jobcentre closures.

“There is still an issue with the huge rise in ticket prices for young people on this First has shown themselves to be tone deaf.

A big issue is people don’t think they are getting value for money and a reliable service. Even with this change the company’s reputation has been damaged.”

The Evening Times canvassed opinion on the streets of Glasgow after the fares hike was announced and people said they did not feel they got value for money and opposed the rises.

The other increases including single fares bought on board and the scrapping of unaccompanied child fares are still going ahead.

The child fare rise is an increase of 40% going from 70p to £1.00.