George Backs Bus Bill
Tue 15th Dec 2009
Labour MSP for Glasgow Cathcart, Charlie Gordon, has brought a Bill to the Scottish Parliament calling for the re-regulation of Scottish Buses. Such a move would result in a big change from the way our buses have been run since 1986, as it would give council across the country far more power in services, as it would allow them to step in and stop market forces running down the service.
The Regulation of Bus Services (Scotland) Bill will also extend free bus travel around the country for those on the lowest forms of Disability Living Allowance, giving travel to many who are least able to do so themselves, and would extend free bus travel to community travel.
Bus travel is a huge expenditure in Scotland, with £300 million being invested into it every year, but there is the feeling that there is an increasing need for it to be more accountable.
Speaking on the issue, George said, "It’s about time bus services across Scotland were being driven by those who use them; the people of our communities. The big business of our buses has let people down for too long, and it’s time people got a service worth the amount they pay for it. Buses should not exclusively be driven by profits with complete disregard for people reliant on those services."
To make the Bill go forward to the next stage, Charlie needs support from at least 18 MSPs from two of the other parties at Parliament; the SNP, Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Greens. Why not contact your other Lothians MSPs urging them to support the bill.
Tags: , Buses.
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