Last night's Evening Times revealed that bus operators First extended its consultation period over a proposed revamp of its services until Wednesday, March 6.

The overhaul, rebranded as SimpliCITY, would consolidate and simplify some routes, with others merging and being renumbered to run more frequently.

Kenneth Shand, a shop owner from Govanhill, said that First needed to publicise their changes more and give the public more time to think about it.

Caroline Mitchell, 51, from Maryhill, said: "It's going to be confusing, especially for the older folk, and the consultation period isn't long enough even with the extension."

Student Basilio Hernandez, 22, from Bearsden, said he had seen only one notice up on a bus about the changes.

Public officials have welcomes the extension, although some are still unhappy about the length of the consultation period offered.

Paul Rooney, Labour councillor for Garscadden and Scotstounhill, said: "First have wisely listened to the concerns of bus users in Glasgow over their unreasonable period of consultation.

"However, a few extra days is simply not enough.

"I ask First to demonstrate real commitment to the communities they serve and extend the consultation to allow reasonable time for all bus users to consider their proposals and to provide a response."

Meanwhile, Graeme Hendry, leader of the SNP opposition on Glasgow City Council, said he welcomed the extension to the consultation, and encouraged more people to give their opinion of the changes.

He said: "I would strongly encourage the public to contact them directly or through their elected representatives to feedback their thoughts on the changes, good or bad."

Ronnie Park, managing director of First Glasgow, said "Customers have welcomed the proposed improvements which will see SimpliCITY services run every 10 minutes or better during the day.

"Of course, we've also been contacted by customers who have concerns about our proposals.

"The purpose of running a consultation is to see what our customers and stakeholders think – both good and bad – before we finalise our plans.

"I'd stress that at the moment our plans are not set in stone and indeed we are very open minded about amending elements of SimpliCITY if required.

"I'm confident that by the close of the consultation we will have a clear picture of what our customers' think.

"However, I can assure our passengers and all our stakeholders that we will continue to listen to their feedback - there is plenty of scope, if required, to amend our proposals before submitting final plans to the Traffic Commissioner."

"I would like to thank everyone that has been in touch."

In yesterday's edition of the Evening Times it was reported that First Glasgow bowed to 'overwhelming' public pressure and extended the period of consultation on its plans for a new network.

In fact, First Glasgow insists it has received a positive response and has extended its consultation in order to give the company more time to carefully consider all the feedback before finalising its plans.

Let us know what you think by contacting us at www.eveningtimes.co.uk