MSPs to grill Transport Minister over rural buses

Published on 10/01/2007 11:43

TRANSPORT Minister Tavish Scott was today due to face questions over recent cutbacks to the city's bus network and higher fares for residents in rural west Edinburgh.

Scottish Socialist Party MSP Colin Fox has tabled a motion at the Scottish Parliament, criticising recent moves to slash the frequency of some less popular bus routes.

Most of the services are used mainly by pensioners, and were previously subsidised by the city council. Lothian Buses struggles to manage the routes on a commercial basis because there are not enough paying passengers.

Mr Fox has also raised the issue of public transport facilities in South Queensferry and Kirkliston, where residents are only served by First Group and pay higher fares than on Lothian Buses.

He said: "Bus passenger numbers are on the way up, and some of the [curtailed] bus routes are vital to communities.

"What happens if you live in South Queensferry, don't have a car and can't afford 3.60 for a day ticket?

"The SSP is arguing for free public transport right across the board. The Executive has granted concessions for pensioners, but - as the SNP's Kenny MacAskill pointed out - you could scrap the trams project and provide free buses for everyone for seven years."