McInnes: SNP must do more to support public transport

4.52.46pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 25th Aug 2008

Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP has attacked the Scottish Government's lack of support for bus services.

Official figures published today show that there are more cars on Scotland's roads than ever and traffic volume has reached record levels.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"There are more vehicles than ever on Scotland's roads. This increases traffic congestion and is bad for the environment.

"Although I am encouraged that more people are travelling by public transport, I want to see even more people choosing to jump on a bus or a train rather than take to the roads in a car. This will only happen if public transport is cost-effective, far-reaching and efficient.

"So far, the Scottish Government has shown a shameful lack of support for bus services. The SNP's budget cut public transport funding and seriously under-funded the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG).

"At a time of high fuel prices and increased fuel duty from Westminster this means that operators are increasing prices. This is hardly an incentive for people to abandon their cars in favour of public transport."