The decision to axe the night bus service in Glasgow will hit people on low income and should be reversed politicians and campaigners have said.

First Bus announced its plan to end the night services at the end of July.

It said not enough people were using the services to make it viable.

But many people rely on the services and the firm has been urged to reconsider.

READ NEXT: Glasgow City Council concerned after First Bus night service axed

Peter Kelly, Director of Poverty Alliance, said: “This announcement is completely unjust and will hit Glaswegians on low incomes the hardest – people who work nightshifts and early shifts in the kind of jobs that are already undervalued.

“These companies get around 55% of their income direct from the public purse, and a huge chunk of the rest from the pockets of people on the lowest incomes, who are struggling the most during the costs crisis. These services should be accountable to those who rely on them most.”

Politicians in the city were also critical of the decision.

George Redmond, leader of the Glasgow Labour Group, said: “I'm deeply worried by this decision.

“Not only will this have a toll on the city centre economy but it’ll reduce safety for women and the vulnerable. First Bus must reconsider its decision.”

Pam Duncan-Glancy, Glasgow Labour MSP has written to First Bus and the transport minister, Fiona Hyslop, demanding a rethink, said: “First Buses own data suggests that there is sufficient demand for these services so pulling them is nothing less than dangerous dereliction of duty. 

READ NEXT:First Bus to end night bus service across Greater Glasgow

“I’m asking that they reconsider the decision urgently, and I’m calling on the Scottish Government do all they can to ensure they do that, and if they don’t, to step in and ensure the city isn't left in effective lockdown during late night hours."

The Greens in Glasgow said safer, more sustainable modes of getting around the city are needed more than ever.

Christy Mearns, Glasgow Greens’ Transport Spokesperson, said: "There clearly is a need and a demand for night buses, so it would seem more sensible for services to be reviewed to better meet customer needs and increase uptake, rather than slashed entirely.

“It’s vital that all partners urgently come together to figure out how the service can be retained and improved.

“Glasgow’s passengers rightly expect public transport to be available when it is needed, so this is an extremely disappointing backwards step. For Glasgow to reduce car dependency and have a thriving night-time economy, we must have a public transport system that meets this ambition.”

Bryan Simpson, Unite Hospitality Organiser said: "This is an absolutely disgraceful decision which will most acutely affect the lowest paid and most vulnerable workers that keep the city’s night-time economy alive in bars, hotels & clubs.

“They will now have to choose between two hours' wages for a taxi or walking home.

''In December, Glasgow Councillors voted to back Unite’s ‘Get me home safely’ campaign, yet continue to ignore the elephant in the room; how do people get home safely?”