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5 March 2009

(S3O-6082) Bus Services

Bus Services

Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to give communities a greater say in the provision of local bus services. (S3O-6082)

The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change (Stewart Stevenson):





As part of our work on the bus action plan, the Scottish Government has encouraged the establishment of bus forums by local authorities. Bus forums are a way in which bus users can voice their concerns about local bus services directly to bus operators and local authorities. In "Buses for Scotland—Progress Through Partnership: A Guide for Local Authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships and Bus Operators", we have provided best practice guidance on how to establish bus forums.

Rhona Brankin: I thank the minister for that reply, although I think that my constituents will find it rather disappointing; in particular, I refer to the thousands of bus users in Gorebridge, Newtongrange, Rosewell and Eskbank, who have been told by First that more than 700 bus journeys between Midlothian and Edinburgh will be withdrawn in April. Does the minister share my concern that such cuts can be made without consultation of the affected communities? Does he agree that such service reductions do nothing to promote the use of public transport? Will he be brave enough to stand up to Brian Souter by backing my colleague Charlie Gordon's proposals for bus re-regulation? Will he put the interests of Scotland's bus passengers before the SNP's coffers?

Stewart Stevenson: I realise that the member arrived in time to participate only from question 5 onwards. If she had listened to some of the earlier answers, she would know that the Government is engaged in a wide range of issues of interest to people throughout Scotland.

Like Rhona Brankin, I find it disappointing to hear of a reduction in bus services in any part of Scotland. There is a wide range of ways in which local authorities, who are primarily involved in overseeing local services, can support the interests of the people for whom they work. The creation of statutory partnerships is one approach that is yet to be used. We are anxious to promote and support any action that is taken in that regard and to work with local authorities that want to introduce such partnerships to ensure that we get the benefits of that work without the heavy-handed regulation of everything that happens regarding buses.

Partnerships are the best way in which to proceed. I had the great pleasure of being in Dundee recently to launch a punctuality improvement partnership, which I believe will deliver significant benefits. I say that in the context of Dundee City Council being a council in which I have no political interest.

The Presiding Officer: Briefly please, minister.

Stewart Stevenson: We are heavily promoting the range of options that we inherited from our predecessor Administration to ensure that the bus services that are required throughout Scotland are actually delivered.

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