Scottish Conservative MSP for South Scotland, Brian Whittle has backed calls from Strathclyde Passenger Transport that a dedicated bus taskforce should be set up to protect vital services in the area.
Brian says he supports the proposals, which were discussed in a members business debate brought to Parliament by his Scottish Conservative colleague Graham Simpson MSP. Mr Simpson, who is the party’s transport spokesperson, believes greater urgency is needed to enhance and protect vital routes and services.
According to Brian, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on many services in Ayrshire, particularly in rural areas and a taskforce would help to provide urgent recommendations on the best way forward for local routes.
Last year, the Scottish Parliament backed plans for local authorities to run their own services, which Brian believes would ensure greater protection for under threat services, if decisions were made at a local level.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Countless people across Ayrshire rely on their local bus service to get around. More action needs to be taken to protect these vital routes and services.
“A bus taskforce would be a positive step in the right direction and I hope these calls can be listened to as soon as possible.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on services across Ayrshire, leaving some people without lifeline services they once could rely on.
“Particularly in rural areas, and communities that are not as well connected, there is often no other option than a local bus service.
“We need to see decisions being taken at a more local level and I’d encourage the Ayrshire councils to take up the powers they have to run services in their own area.”
