‘Simplify bus subsidies’

CALLS have been made to simplify bus subsidies after it emerged more than £9.25 million has been used to boost Angus services in the last five years.

The greatest beneficiary has been Stagecoach East Scotland, which has picked up almost £4.6m, followed by Xplore Dundee on £1.16m.

Scottish Lib Dem transport spokesman Mike Rumbles said he was “not convinced” the current method of subsidising minor routes was the best way to help those who need to use the service most.

“The Scottish Government, in consultation with our local authorities and bus users, needs to come up with a much simpler system that can be applied nationally and that is also transparent and ensures value to the taxpayer.”