Programme for government lacking in ambition on transport
The Programme for government announced by the First Minister this afternoon is severely lacking in ambition when it comes to tackling rising transport emissions according to the Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson John Finnie MSP.
John Finnie MSP said:
“It’s extremely disappointing that the Scottish Government has failed to address the decline in bus usage by expanding its concessionary travel scheme. The Scottish Greens advocate fully free bus services, but failing to even take a step in this direction and introduce free transport for under 26's is pitiful.
“On air travel the First Minister’s targets are pie in the sky. Obviously the prospect of the Highlands and Islands becoming a zero emission aviation region is welcome, but the technology to introduce such flights doesn’t currently exist.
“Crowing about doubling an active travel budget a year ago, when the government has missed its walking and cycling targets by miles is embarrassing.
“I welcome the First Minister’s commitment to continuing to electrify Scotland’s railways, but once again there is no commitment to take forward this work on the Highland Main Line or Borders Railway, both lines that serve largely rural areas and are crying out for this investment to decarbonise and better serve the communities along the way.
“Rather than using all the powers of the Scottish Parliament with a Scottish Green New Deal to drive improvements in Scotland’s crumbling public transport network, this programme for government lacks ambition and fails to deliver for communities across the country.”