BUS bosses have promised to have a rethink after angry passengers hit out at proposals to hike fares on a crucial route. 

McGill’s bosses outlined plans to raise the prices on the replacement X23 peak service, which is an important link for commuters in Erskine, Inchinnan, and Renfrew to Glasgow. 

Under proposals set out by managing director Ralph Roberts, prices would increase from £4.50 to £7 for a day ticket, from £18.50 to £30 for a weekly ticket and from £61.50 to £100 for a monthly ticket.

READ MORE: Furious bus users demand action on fare hikes

There would be no change to the existing 23 service or to off-peak prices post 9am.

However, at a fiery public meeting in the Normandy Hotel last week, bus users accused McGill’s chiefs of “daylight robbery”.

One irate passenger who attended the meeting told The Gazette: “We are being held to ransom by a company that, in my opinion, is not interested in serving the community.

“They only want to fill their coffers, with the people of Renfrewshire left with no other choice but to pay these abhorrent prices.

“Surely this cannot be allowed to happen?”

During the meeting, one man was ejected after calling McGill’s chiefs “lying, scumbag b******s.”

Derek Mackay, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, has been inundated with over 1,000 complaints from furious public transport users who are not happy at being hit in the pocket.

The Gazette: Derek Mackay has been in close contact with bus bosses over the proposals Derek Mackay has been in close contact with bus bosses over the proposals

Mr Mackay said: “I believe most people will be satisfied with the proposed changes McGill’s have made to the service and route.

“However, the major problem is the proposed fare increase they are considering. To have this many people contact me on a single issue shows the strength of feeling people have on this.”

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, attended last week’s meeting and has since met with McGill’s bosses. 

READ MORE: 'You are holding us to ransom' - Renfrewshire passengers hit out at fare increase

He said: “I will continue to push McGill’s to review these eye-watering price increases and call on them to act with a level of respect towards the public.

“McGill’s provide a service that many across Renfrewshire rely on to get to work and go about their lives.”

The Gazette: Gavin Newlands called on bus bosses to rethink the 'eye-watering' increase Gavin Newlands called on bus bosses to rethink the 'eye-watering' increase

McGill’s Ralph Roberts said: “The prices proposed at the public meeting are what would be required to sustain the peak service without external subsidy and are in line with peak motorway express services in other areas.

“We understand that this would be a very substantial increase and we have yet to finally decide exactly what the fare will be. The bus users present at the meeting asked us to think about this and that is what we are doing.”