Buses in Scotland ‘too dear and too unreliable’ as calls grow for public control of services

Calls are growing for the public control of bus services in Scotland, as campaigners highlight issues of high costs and unreliability faced by passengers. The Poverty Alliance is leading the charge, urging the SNP Government to support more councils in bringing buses back under local authority control. The debate comes ahead of MSPs discussing a public petition advocating for the re-regulation of buses as a priority, following years of fare increases and service reductions.

According to Peter Kelly, the chief executive of the Poverty Alliance, people on low incomes report that buses are too expensive, unreliable, and do not meet their needs effectively. Currently, Edinburgh is the only city in Scotland with a locally owned bus fleet, considered the best in the country. The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has announced plans to adopt a similar model in Greater Glasgow, potentially replacing the current deregulated system with a franchise setup like those in London and Manchester.

However, the transition to a new system could take up to seven years and require an additional £45 million in annual funding, as highlighted by SPT. Kelly and other activists argue that this timeline is too long, calling on the Scottish Government to expedite the process. While local authorities gained bus franchising powers in 2019, it is suggested that many financially strained councils may struggle to utilize these powers effectively.

Kelly emphasised that costly and inaccessible bus services disproportionately affect those living in poverty, limiting their freedom, opportunities, and overall well-being. Despite significant public subsidies, there is still a lack of public influence over bus routes, schedules, ticketing, and fares in many areas of Scotland. The campaign urges immediate action from the government to enable public control and ownership of bus services, creating a more inclusive and efficient transport network for all.

The privatisation of bus services outside of London by Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 1980s has led to a decline in passenger numbers. While the Transport Scotland spokesman highlighted the empowerment of local authorities to consider various options under the 2019 Act, campaigners stress the importance of prioritising accessible public transport across the country.

In conclusion, the push for public control of bus services in Scotland reflects a growing recognition of the need for affordable, reliable, and inclusive transportation options for all residents. As discussions progress and activism continues, the spotlight remains on policymakers to address these pressing issues and ensure that public transportation meets the diverse needs of communities throughout the country.