MSP for Stirling, Bruce Crawford, has welcomed an announcement that the SNP Government will further extend its funding support for Scotland’s bus operators.
Announced today by Scotland’s Transport Secretary, the SNP Government will invest up to £52.6 million in maintaining Scotland’s bus services between November 2020 and January 2021.
This latest announcement is in addition to the £109.7 million in funding that the SNP Government has been providing since June to support bus services.
Bus travel typically accounts for just under three quarters of all public transport journeys. This funding is to cover the anticipated loss of fare-paying passenger revenue that operators will experience due to physical distancing and reduced carrying capacity during a period when more people would normally be travelling.
Bruce Crawford MSP said:
‘Despite present limitations due to required physical distancing, public transport has an important role to play in getting people to from A to B in a green and sustainable manner.
‘The Scottish Government has invested over £109 million to maintain bus services all across Scotland during the pandemic, and today’s £52.6 will go towards further alleviating some of the strain currently on the industry.
‘I want to thank all of Stirling’s public transport operators and staff, who have kept key workers moving throughout the area during the current pandemic.
‘The SNP Government will continue to work with passengers, businesses and bus operators to provide a safe and frequent bus network for those who need to make essential journeys.’
Notes:
https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/further-526-million-to-maintain-bus-services/
