By Damien Henderson
A NEW team of bus wardens was taking to Glasgow's streets today to clamp down on rogue operators.
Fifteen inspectors employed by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport will help enforcement on busy city centre routes such as Hope Street and Union Street where hundreds of bus services compete for passengers.
The scheme has been hailed a success in Paisley, where hundreds of dodgy bus operators have been reported.
A year after it was introduced in November 2007, reports of abuse had dropped by 83%.
Until now Glasgow has relied on parking wardens, only four of whom are dedicated to inspecting bus services.
If inspectors suspect abuse, they report it to Joan Aitken, Scotland's traffic commissioner, for enforcement action.
Last month alone saw 99 cases referred in Glasgow.
The SPT inspectors will be able to look into routes across 12 local authorities in Strath-clyde, taking action if they think buses are poaching other companies' passengers or not running on time.
The scheme was welcomed yesterday by Ms Aitken, the city council and bus companies, who say it will drive up standards.
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