Question reference: S6W-24381
- Date lodged: 9 January 2024
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 19 January 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the bus network in rural Scotland, particularly at (a) night and (b) the weekend.
Answer
The majority of services in Scotland are operated on a commercial basis by private bus companies. Under the Transport Act 1985, where there is a social need local transport authorities can provide subsidy for services that are not provided on a commercial basis, this is entirely a matter for the local authority to consider and action.
The Scottish Government have brought forward an enhanced suite of options for local transport authorities to improve bus services according to their local needs, including formal partnerships, franchising and running their own bus services. The Community Bus Fund was launched in September 2023 to support local transport authorities to explore the options in the Transport Act, and to improve public transport in their areas.