AN MSP claimed West Fifers don’t need driverless buses, they just need services that turn up! 


Roz McCall said most of the frustration with local public transport are about fare increases, delays and cancellations. 


The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP said: “When I speak to people across the Kingdom, they tell me that they don’t need driverless buses, they just want efficient and affordable bus services that run on time, and that really shouldn’t be too much to ask.”


Ms McCall said the impact of “constant” delays and cancellations to services was having a big impact on constituents who rely on the bus to attend hospital appointments, job interviews and visiting family and friends.


She continued: “Delays and cancellations in rural communities are particularly concerning, with rural bus services being far less frequent than inner-city services, it is vital that the services run on time to avoid rural residents missing crucial hospital appointments and to ensure they can get to work on time.


“I am deeply concerned that the Scottish Government allowed the Network Support Grant Plus to expire, as this has led to an average fare increase of 15 per cent across east Scotland, which is unacceptable in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.”


The MSP said that, last year, ministers gave local authorities the powers to manage and run bus services. 


She added: “However, the truth of the matter is that the transfer of powers was not accompanied by the transfer of resources that councils need to run their own bus services efficiently.”


In response, Transport Minister Kevin Stewart said: “The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that everyone has accessible public transport regardless of where they live. 


“It is for individual bus operators to use their own commercial judgement to decide on service routes, fare structure and frequency. 


“Since June 2022, we have delivered powers to enable local transport authorities to run their own local services, which sits alongside their existing ability to subsidise local bus services.”


He said that talks were taking place with the industry to help address challenges affecting the reliability of bus services, “whilst recognising many of the levers are reserved to the UK Government”. 


Mr Stewart added: “We are also progressing the Fair Fares Review to support the future long term viability of a public transport system that is accessible, available and affordable for people.


“We are continuing to invest to enhance the range of options available for local transport authorities and to help improve bus services according to their local needs.”