FMQs: First Minister urged to cut bus fares
Capping bus fares would support household budgets and encourage commuters to leave their cars at home, says Scottish Green co-leader, Lorna Slater.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Ms Slater urged the Scottish Government to back Green calls to cut the price of bus tickets as part of budget negotiations.
In her first question to the First Minister, Ms Slater said:
“Buses are too expensive in Scotland.
“We see fare hikes every year - with passengers across the country having to fork out even more cash to get on board.
“The Scottish Greens have called for a £2 cap on bus fares as part of this year’s budget negotiations.
“For example, folks living in the First Minister’s constituency are paying an extortionate £5.10 to travel from Blairgowrie to Perth.
“A £2 cap on bus fares would save a commuter on this journey £31 a week; £124 a month.
“Does the First Minister agree with me that we should be capping fares and making buses cheaper in Scotland?”
In his response the First Minister did not back a rollout but did emphasise the need for low cost public transport.
In her second question Ms Slater highlighted the transformative impact of free bus travel for young people, which was secured by the Scottish Greens.
Ms Slater said:
“Cheaper bus tickets are the right thing for people, and planet.
“It would help people save money and to leave the car at home - it would open up new opportunities.
“Already, thanks to the introduction of free bus travel for everyone under 22, secured by the Scottish Greens, young people across Scotland have made over 150 million free bus journeys.
“We need to go further to deliver a truly affordable, reliable and accessible bus network across Scotland.
“We need to reverse the damage of privatisation, protect essential routes, and build publicly-owned services that deliver for all passengers.
“What more is the Scottish Government doing to cut the cost of buses and to support workers and commuters?”