Roz McCall MSP has expressed concerns that the average fares for bus services across Mid-Scotland has risen by an average of 15% and commuters continue to suffer from delays and cancellations.
Ms McCall has previously raised the issue of the termination of the Network Support Grant Plus (NSG+) to the former Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth. Despite writing to her to request an extension of the Network Support Grant Plus, the Scottish Government allowed the grant to expire and as such bus fares have risen by an average of 15% across East Scotland.
Roz McCall MSP is also concerned at the constant delays and cancellations to bus services across Mid-Scotland and Fife. Ms McCall is worried about the impact that these delays and cancellations will have on her constituents who rely on bus services to attend vital hospital appointments, job interviews, and visit family members.
Roz McCall MSP will be asking a question on this topic in the Scottish Parliament this Thursday.
Roz McCall MSP said:
“Last year, the Scottish Government used new powers in the Transport (Scotland) Act to give local authorities the powers to manage and run bus services as they see fit, however the truth of the matter is that the transfer of powers was not accompanied by the transfer of resources that councils need to run their own bus services efficiently.
“Delays and cancellations in rural communities are particularly concerning, with rural bus services being far less frequent than inner-city services, it is vital that the services run on time to avoid rural residents missing crucial hospital appointments and to ensure they can get to work on time.”
“I am deeply concerned that the Scottish Government allowed the Network Support Grant Plus to expire, as this has led to an average fare increase of 15% across East Scotland, which is unacceptable in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.”
“When I speak to people across Mid-Scotland and Fife, they tell me that they don’t need driverless buses, they just want efficient and affordable bus services that run on time, and that really shouldn’t be too much to ask.”
Roz McCall MSPs letter to former Transport Minister can be found here:
https://outlook.office.com/6cf1fc69-1004-49ee-b71f-b3b2d3f46172
Link to article detailing fare price increase can be found here:
Link to Roz McCall MSPs question and the business bulletin: