Question reference: S6W-03016
- Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 16 September 2021
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Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 30 September 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has provided to bus operators in receipt of government funding on returning services to pre-pandemic levels.
Answer
Throughout the pandemic we have supported bus operators to keep Scotland moving, and have made up to £210 million in additional financial support available since June 2020. Operators receiving this funding enter into public service contracts and are required to meet certain conditions including running a specified level of service mileage set at 95% of pre-COVID levels unless otherwise agreed with Transport Scotland. Some operators are running less bus mileage due to constraining factors such as bus driver shortages. Given reduced patronage and changing travel patterns, operators are also required to adapt services to meet demand as it now arises. When doing so, operators are required to consult and cooperate with local transport authorities, have regard to public transport connectivity, and keep services under review. The model public service contract, setting out the full terms and conditions, can be found on the Transport Scotland website: https://www.transport.gov.scot/public-transport/buses/covid-19-support-grant/