FIRST Bus bosses in Glasgow have bowed to "overwhelming" public pressure and extended the consultation period over their plans to revamp city services.

Last week the Evening Times revealed First, the city's largest bus operator, proposed an overhaul to its services, with many routes rebranded as SimpliCITY.

It will be the bus operator's biggest revamp since the millennium, and is planned to come into effect by May 12.

But First has come under fire for not offering the public long enough to give their feedback about the proposed changes.

Now it has extended its two-week consultation period – supposed to finish today – to next Wednesday, March 6.

Click here for the new First Bus timetable

Last week the Evening Times revealed First, the city's largest bus operator, proposed an overhaul to its services, with many routes rebranded as SimpliCITY.

It will be the bus operator's biggest revamp since the millennium, and is planned to come into effect by May 12.

But First has come under fire for not offering the public long enough to give their feedback about the proposed changes.

Now it has extended its two-week consultation period – supposed to finish today – to next Wednesday, March 6.

After this, the operator will then submit their proposals to Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) for further discussions.

Ronnie Park, First Glasgow's Managing Director, said: "Such has been the response that we have decided to take some extra time to thoroughly review and consider our customers' feedback.

"This will provide us with a greater opportunity to fine tune our plans before we submit proposals to SPT and enter discussions with its representatives.

"In taking that extra time to consider the views of our customers, I'm pleased that we can therefore extend the public consultation by five days."

First say that under the new SimpliCITY network services will be simplified and re-numbered, making it easier for customers to understand and use their services.

Some central routes will run every ten minutes or better during the day, with many routes enjoying buses every five minutes.

But some have criticised the revamp after the operator admitted that the move, with the axing of a number of minor and duplicate routes, will see a cutback of 1% to its overall network, .

SPT has also weighed in and warned a "pick and mix" approach to bus services could disadvantage those who most depend on buses.

First said that the company would continue to listen to customers' opinions following March 6.

Mr Park added: "I'm confident that by the close of the consultation we will have a clear picture of what 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 the final plans to the Traffic Commissioner."

Members of the public can view and comment upon First Glasgow's plans by visiting www.firstgroup.com/Glasgow

fiona.mckay@ eveningtimes.co.uk