Question reference: S6W-23451
- Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 30 November 2023
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 15 December 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has undertaken to understand any impact of future private technology mobility solutions on the viability of local authority bus franchise arrangements, and whether any legislative safeguards are required.
Answer
Prior to the introduction of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (“the 2019 Act”) all relevant impact assessments were conducted, and no significant issues were identified as part of this process. All the bus powers in the 2019 Act, including franchising, are designed to be flexible to ensure local transport authorities can improve bus services according to their local needs. In developing their franchising proposals, local authorities will need to take account of the individual circumstances of their area, including any potential impact of technological developments, and how the proposals will contribute to the implementation of their relevant general policies. We continue to engage with local transport authorities as we develop the further regulations and guidance required to give the franchising powers full effect.