Local MSP Ben Macpherson has encouraged bus users across the city’s capital to get involved in two new public consultations that will help shape the future of bus services and smart ticketing in Scotland.
Transport Scotland will conduct a number of events and stakeholder workshops to encourage participation in these consultations before they close on 5th December.
‘Local Bus Services in Scotland – Improving the Framework for Delivery’ and ‘The Future of Smart Ticketing in Scotland’ are now open to the public and will run for 12 weeks until 5 December. During this period, a number of stakeholder workshops and other events will be held so participants can find out more about proposals being put forward for bus, as well as consider the future of smart services.
Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands said: “These two important consultations offer a great opportunity for the public and key stakeholders to have their say on the future of bus services and smart ticketing in Scotland.
“Buses provide an essential service to millions of Scots however declining passenger numbers pose a serious challenge to the industry. The proposals in this consultation set out a viable and flexible range of options to help local authorities improve bus services, working in partnership with bus operators.
“As we continue to make progress with a Scotland-wide integrated smart ticketing and payment service, that can be used across all modes, it is important we gather views from transport operators, public bodies and users.”
Once all responses from both consultations have been analysed and reports produced, the findings will be used to inform the Transport Bill.
Gavin Booth, Director of Bus Users Scotland, said: “Bus travel is an essential ingredient in Scottish life and Bus Users Scotland is pleased to see that the views of bus passengers are being sought on the elements of the new Transport Bill that directly affect them, including smart ticketing and powers that could give local authorities greater control over bus services in their areas.”
More information on ‘Local Bus Services in Scotland – Improving the Framework for Delivery’ can be found at https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/transport-scotland/improving-bus-services
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson said: “Millions use buses across Scotland every day, including here in Edinburgh where we have one of the best bus services in Europe.
“Transport Scotland’s two new consultations offer the public and stakeholders in Edinburgh an important opportunity to have their say on how best to improve upon Scotland’s bus services.
“In order to develop an effective, joint up, Scotland-wide smart ticketing and payment service, it is important that as many transport operators, public bodies and users as possible are consulted.”
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