A PETITION has been launched to save a bus service that travels from Glasgow's South Side to East Kilbride. 

A suspended section of the number 31 bus has been axed from First Glasgow's timetable permanently.

During the coronavirus pandemic, it was suspended between Carmunnock and East Kilbride, and now the operator has taken the decision not to bring it back.

The petition states that the service is a lifeline for the communities of Stewartfield and West Mains in East Kilbride. 

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It states: "The 31 bus provides a lifeline service to the communities of Stewartfield and West Mains. For many passengers living along the route, it is the only local bus service they can use. The route also serves a number of workplaces, including the Centre One tax office, industrial units, and the Stewartfield shops. For many workers, the 31 is an essential part of their commute. 

"We believe that public transport should be a public service. Removing the 31 bus from East Kilbride would disrupt people's lives, create more dependence on the car and deprive Stewartfield, West Mains, and the wider area of a necessary service.

"Many people living and working in our communities depend on this lifeline bus service and we believe it should be retained."

The service will continue to operate in Glasgow from the city centre to Carmunnock village. 

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Graeme Macfarlan, commercial director for First Glasgow said: “Like many other companies throughout the world, First Glasgow has been impacted by the pandemic and are facing one of the most challenging and unprecedented periods ever.

“The currently suspended section of the 31 route beyond Carmunnock Village and East Kilbride via Stewartfield will not be returning as the cost of operating against such a low demand for the service simply do not support the continuation of this section of the route.

“It’s crucial that we prioritise all resource to where it is most needed and alleviate the challenges caused by social distancing restrictions, also ensuring services have sufficient capacity where passenger volumes are increasing.”

The petition, which has been signed by almost 1000 people can be viewed here