MCGILL’S Bus Service has cited challenging industry conditions stemming from factors such as cheap car ownership, online retailing and increasing congestion as profits dipped in its most recent financial year.

And the boss of the Greenock-based bus firm declared that government and politicians “have to get over their fascination with the train”, claiming that trains receive a level of media and political attention and public funding that is disproportionate to the amount of passengers they carry compared with buses.

McGill’s, owned by former Rangers directors James and Sandy Easdale, reported a pre-tax profit of £2.03m for 2016, down by 42 per cent on the year before. That came as turnover rose to £39.5m from £38.3m, new accounts show. Writing in the accounts, McGill’s managing director Ralph Roberts said: “2016 has been a challenging year for the bus industry, not only in Scotland but UK wide. Ultra-cheap car ownership, depressed fuel prices, online retailing, increasing congestion resulting in longer bus journeys and stretched household budgets have all contributed to a sustained decline in football.”

Mr Roberts said McGill’s has been able to deliver a more punctual and reliable service on the back of investment in state-of-the-art ticketing equipment, new vehicles and a central control facility. This has come as it has faced increased costs from congestion, roadworks, staff pay, regulations and higher new bus prices.

“Trains carry relatively few in comparison to buses, yet seem to take all of the headlines, political attention and public purse investment,” Mr Roberts said in the accounts. He recently warned plans to establish a Low Emissions Zone in Glasgow next year to improve air quality would result in fewer services or “unprecedented fair increases”.