Labour leadership contest - Jamieson demands a fairer deal from bus firms

Published on Thursday 21 August 2008 11:42

LABOUR leadership contender Cathy Jamieson today launched a scathing attack on Scotland's "woefully inadequate" bus services.

She is calling for a root and branch reform of the way services are run.

"The public is sick of woefully inadequate and ineffective services," the party's acting leader warned.

Ms Jamieson is proposing changes to existing legislation which will force bus companies to consult with locals before any services are axed or introduced.

"This will ensure that it is the public that is shaping our bus services," she added.

"There needs to be tighter control of bus services to ensure that passengers get the services they deserve."

Many services are adequate during the day when profits can be made, according to Ms Jamieson, but vanish at weekends and evenings, leaving people "prisoners" in their communities.

"The status quo is not an option," she added.

"If bus companies want to operate services they will have to offer a full service, not just cherry pick the most profitable routes and times."

Her position won the backing of Alistair Watson, chair of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.

"We must take into account the social need for services where they may not be profitable and ensure that people do not become isolated within their communities," he said.