Lucy Mills, a 22-year-old student from Oklahoma, made the life-changing decision to study at Strathclyde University in Glasgow for political and financial reasons. Coming from a state known for outlawing abortion and controversial educational policies, Lucy found solace in Glasgow’s political climate, which she aligned with more comfortably. She believes that more Americans will follow suit and make the move across the pond, especially after the re-election of Donald Trump.
In an exclusive interview as part of The Future of Glasgow series by The Herald and the Glasgow Times to commemorate Glasgow’s 850th birthday, Lucy highlighted the city’s public transport system as a major benefit. Being from a suburb in America where cars dominate the transportation landscape, Lucy found Glasgow’s public transportation system refreshing and functional. She praised the buses for their reliability and accessibility, even though some may complain about them being late occasionally due to traffic.
Embracing the lifestyle in Glasgow, Lucy also mentioned her love for biking around the city and the convenience of using a Young Scot card for transportation. Expressing her hope to never own a car again, she emphasized the practicality and efficiency of relying on public transport and cycling for her daily commute. However, she did acknowledge the impact of strikes on the city’s services, particularly mentioning bin strikes, teacher strikes, and train strikes that have affected her in the past.
If she could change one thing about Glasgow’s public transport system, Lucy emphasized the importance of fair wages for workers to prevent future strikes and disruptions. She noted the challenges posed by strikes, such as the inconvenience caused by the disruption of essential services like waste collection and public transportation. Lucy’s perspective sheds light on the importance of fair compensation for workers to maintain the smooth operation of public services in the city.
As Glasgow celebrates its 850th birthday, the joint series by The Herald and the Glasgow Times delves into the city’s past, present, and future. By exploring the challenges faced by Glasgow and discussing potential solutions, this collaborative effort aims to engage readers in a thoughtful reflection on the city’s evolution and the paths forward. Stay tuned to discover more insights and stories about the vibrant city of Glasgow and its journey towards a brighter future.
