A TRANSPORT charity has warned it’s at risk of going under if a decision blocking it from using the under-22 free bus scheme isn’t overturned.

G15 Buses was formed to fill a gap in the public transport sector which currently offers no direct route from the Drumchapel area to Glasgow’s flagship Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Govan.

However, bosses have said it now faces going under just months after first hitting the road due to the new scheme designed to offer free transportation to people under the age of 22.

Transport Scotland said the permit G15 Buses requires to operate actually prohibits the group from using the free transport scheme for young people.

READ MORE: Work continues on Glasgow's West End The Range store

As previously reported, all those aged between five and 21 will be eligible for a card allowing them to access free transport across Scotland from January 31.

But, just days ago, Labour described the scheme as a “shambles” and demanded the SNP work quickly to resolve issues for young people attempting to obtain a card.

As our sister title The Herald reported, Transport Scotland had to delay its marketing campaign and has asked only those making essential journeys to apply for a card, claiming the pandemic is causing problems.

MSP Neil Bibby has now written to Transport Secretary Graeme Dey about the issue.

He said: “The roll-out of the free bus pass should have been a good news story for young people but it has been beset with problems, from mixed messages on public health to a complicated application process.”

He called on the Scottish Government to follow the actions of Inverclyde Council, which has co-ordinated applications through schools to help all children get a card.

Transport Scotland said there were other routes available for those unable to apply online but urged only those who have essential travel needs should apply at present.

Now, the Drumchapel charity says issues are now plaguing its operation.

Will Thomson, part of the board, said: “We can’t ask people to pay if they’re getting it free elsewhere, but without young people using our service we’ll struggle to meet our basic costs.

“It means we’ll have to reimagine our whole business plan or risk leaving the older people, who really rely on us, with nothing.

“The biggest problem is we have no idea why we can’t use it. We’ve been told it’s because we don’t qualify for another scheme but we don’t understand this at all – especially since we didn’t apply for another scheme.”

READ MORE: Glasgow City Council quizzed over Drumchapel 'master plan'

The charity currently transports residents to the QEUH and other points around Glasgow and the surrounding areas, charging a reduced fee to that of traditional bus companies.

Those using the service are able to book in advance and liaise with the team over potential destinations.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, as a Section 19 permit operator running services on a not-for-profit basis which are not available for general public use, G15 Buses do not come within the reimbursement criteria set out in the National Concessionary Travel Scheme (NCTS) legislation.

“However, bus operators do not need to be in receipt of Smart Pay Grant Funding to qualify for the National Concessionary Travel Scheme.”