[1][2] The company claimed passenger numbers had been falling for several years and blamed this on factors including increased journey times as a result of congestion on the M74 motorway which made the bus less attractive when compared to competing rail services.
The decision led to criticism from local MPs and MSPs.
[5] In February 2020, First announced that it would continue running the service as it had seen a rise in usage following the introduction of marketing and branded buses.
The company stated that since its reintroduction the route had not carried enough passengers to be viable, despite an advertising campaign publicising its launch.
[8] Prior to the 2022 Scottish local elections, various candidates have called for the service to be reinstated.