COMPETITION watchdogs are investigating a plan to withdraw some bus services in Glasgow.

First Bus wants to scrap the 64 service between Carmyle and the city centre and change the 19 Easterhouse to city centre route.

Plans to alter services between East Kilbride and Glasgow and from Airdrie to the city centre are also being looked at.

The Competition Commission is seeking evidence to ensure the proposed changes are in line with undertakings given by First when they took over the ScotRail franchise that it would not seek to use its monopoly in a way that had an adverse effect on passengers.

There were concerns that it could shift passengers for bus to rail, by stopping some bus routes.

First group said the routes run at a loss and wants to alter the undertakings it gave the commission to allow it to scrap the Easterhouse service and alter the other routes.

The Competition Commission said: "The original undertakings were accepted by the CC in October 2004 and followed an investigation into First Group's acquisition of the Scottish rail franchise.

"The CC concluded that the acquisition, which gave First Group control of local rail and bus services, particularly in Glasgow and Edinburgh, could reduce competition on certain routes and have an adverse effects for many passengers.

"In particular, the CC was concerned that there could be potential for First Group to encourage passengers to switch from bus to rail services by altering service levels and routes.

"First Group was therefore required to sign undertakings before taking over the rail franchise, which prevented it from altering service levels on a number of local bus services in Glasgow and Edinburgh."

In a separate move First has increased the cost of its weekly and monthly FirstCard tickets.

A one-week one-zone card increases from £10.25 now £12.50 and a one-week three-zone goes up from £15 to £17.

A four-week one-zone rises from £33 to £38 and four-week three- zone from £48.50 to £52.

A 10-week 1-zone card will now cost £88, up form £78.50, and a 10-week three-zone will be £117, that is up from £111.50.