SNP must explain delay to bus cash - McInnes

12.00.00am GMT Wed 18th Feb 2009

Commenting on the Scottish Government's £4 million funding package for the bus industry, which will be used to offset fuel duty increases, Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP said:

"This £4 million announcement does not make up for the SNP's failure to pass on the Westminster funded fuel duty rebate in June last year. Some £7.5 million that should have gone directly to operators to help keep fares down was siphoned off to pay for other SNP promises.

"As a result, bus passengers across the network had to cough up bigger fares. Passengers across Scotland will be wondering how much of a difference today's announcement will make and why on earth it took the Transport Minister so long to pass on this extra cash."