Question reference: S6W-02837
- Asked by: Fiona Hyslop, MSP for Linlithgow, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 7 September 2021
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Graeme Dey on 8 September 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether COVID-19 funding for bus operators will be extended beyond 3 October 2021.
Answer
Bus services played an essential role in keeping Scotland moving safely during the coronavirus pandemic – and have an equally important part to play as we gradually start to return to some sense of normality.
Today I am announcing that up to £42 million in funding will be made available between 4 October 2021 and 31 March 2022 to support bus operators to maintain services.
With the easing of restrictions, more people are now using local bus services and I continue to encourage people to do so safely and in particular, to continue adhering to rules on the wearing of face coverings unless exempt.
In total, we had made up to £96.8 million available in 2021-22. Because passenger numbers have risen, I am pleased to report that the required funding for this financial year is now forecast at £88.2 million. We will continue to monitor that closely to ensure that bus operators have the funding they need to continue to maintain services, but also to ensure that we are not over or under paying them.