TRANSPORT STATS SHOW PUBLIC TRANSPORT USE IS STILL TOO LOW IN SCOTLAND: MCINNES (Alison McInnes)

Alison McInnes <info@alisonmcinnes.co.uk>

TRANSPORT STATS SHOW PUBLIC TRANSPORT USE IS STILL TOO LOW IN SCOTLAND: MCINNES

September 6, 2010 12:00 AM

Transport statistics published today by the Scottish Government show that 67% employees take their car to work instead of using public transport with 56% of respondents citing that the public transport route would take too long.

The figures also highlight that public transport uptake in rural areas is still very low compared to urban areas with 6.8% of respondents taking the bus in rural areas compared to 18.6% in large urban areas.

Commenting on these statistics Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP said:

"These latest figures confirm that the amount of people using public transport in Scotland is still too low.

"The Scottish Government must encourage people to get out of their cars and onto public transport in Scotland.

"It is concerning that if there are not enough people using the public transport available in Scotland, it could jeopardise any progress being made on tackling climate change.

"While it is not surprising that the uptake of public transport is less in rural areas of Scotland, the government need to work with transport providers to ensure that they do as much as possible to support these areas with public transport provision."

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