A new study conducted by the University of Glasgow, and commissioned by First Bus, suggests that £24 million is wasted due to traffic congestion.

Research by the University of Glasgow’s Urban Big Data Centre shows that delays are stretching peak-time journeys and ‘undermining reliability’. The study, The Price of Bus Delays in Glasgow, estimates that £24 million and 1.2 million hours of passengers’ time is wasted annually.

Pollokshaws Road is highlighted as Glasgow’s most severe congestion pinch point for buses. An estimated 375,577 passenger hours are lost every year - valued at £7.45 million.

Andrew Cullen, Regional Director for First Bus in Scotland, said: “This is about more than buses; it’s about Glasgow’s future prosperity. Congestion is quietly costing customers £24m a year and holding back productivity.

“And this is just people using the bus in selected parts of the city, which shows the overall financial impact will be much higher. Every minute we save for passengers is a minute they can spend working, learning, shopping, or enjoying the city. It can also help to attract more people to think of using the bus.”

New research has revealed that traffic congestion across Glasgow is costing bus passengers an estimated £24 million every year and wasting around 1.2 million hours of their time. | Supplied

placeholder image — New research has revealed that traffic congestion across Glasgow is costing bus passengers an estimated £24 million every year and wasting around 1.2 million hours of their time. | Supplied

There are further issues with congestion on other routes including Great Western Road and Maryhill Road. The report suggests that journey times are up to 40 per cent longer during peak times.

The report calls for targeted interventions on roads, including dedicated bus lanes, bus gates, and traffic signal priority. It suggests that these interventions ‘proven from other cities can deliver substantial improvements’.

Aberdeen’s bus network has seen punctuality improved by up to 12% and journey times cut by 17% since the introduction of bus gates in 2023, according to the report. A similar level of time savings in Glasgow would be worth around £3 million annually.

Polling released last week by the Confederation of Passenger Transport Scotland, the bus industry body, found that 58 per cent of people support bus priority measures such as bus lanes, bus gates and traffic light priority to combat congestion. Support was strongest in urban areas such as Glasgow.

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The University of Glasgow research also discusses the wider ripple effects of congestion including higher operating costs, falling passenger numbers and employers struggling to attract and retain staff due to unreliable transport.

Dr Fiona Crawford, Urban Big Data Centre, University of Glasgow, said: “Our research shows the scale of time lost by bus passengers because of congestion on just five corridors alone is staggering.

“Losing over 130 years of passenger time is not just an inconvenience, it’s a measurable drain on the city. Tackling these delays is not just a transport policy issue, it’s an economic strategy for the city.”

Mr Cullen said First Bus are now calling on Glasgow City Council and Transport Scotland to embrace partnership working to improve bus journeys across the city.

He added: “By going together to unlock these routes, we can jointly unlock economic growth, cleaner air, and a more connected city.

“Carrying thousands of people every day to jobs, schools, healthcare, and leisure, buses are part of the heartbeat of Glasgow. By tackling congestion effectively and collectively, Glasgow can give its people back time, reduce employer costs, and unlock millions in economic gains.”