Large parts of Scotland are facing the threat of being “cut off” as the number of bus routes across the country has drastically decreased since 2006. A recent study by Labour revealed that the total registered bus routes have fallen by 44% over the last two decades, with over 1,400 routes lost during this period. In the past year alone, 190 bus routes were axed, marking a 10% decrease.
Labour has criticised the Scottish Government for the decline in bus routes and the delay in implementing a franchising model. The government was granted the authority in 2019 to set up franchises for local authorities, but the necessary regulations and guidance won’t be available until 2025. This delay has led to concerns about the accessibility of vital bus services, especially for individuals who rely on them for commuting.
Claire Baker, the transport spokeswoman for Scottish Labour, emphasised the detrimental impact of losing essential bus routes, affecting people’s ability to get to work and risking isolation for communities. The Poverty Alliance has joined the call for more support from the SNP Government to bring buses back under local control.
The Scottish Government acknowledged the significance of bus services for communities and outlined plans to invest £465 million in free bus travel for over two million people in 2025-26. Additionally, they aim to enhance bus infrastructure and make services more appealing to passengers and operators through improved efficiency.
While Edinburgh retains public ownership of its local bus fleet, efforts are being made to establish a similar model in Greater Glasgow by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). The proposed franchise system could potentially revitalise the bus network with better fare structures, routes, and ticketing controlled by a local public body.
In conclusion, the diminishing bus routes in Scotland pose a significant challenge to accessibility and connectivity for residents. The push for local authorities to reclaim authority over bus services and the government’s commitment to funding and improving bus infrastructure are crucial steps towards addressing the ongoing issues in the country’s public transportation system.