Future of bus services under discussion

THE way local bus services are run and managed could face radical changes.

Transport Scotland has identified a number of areas where it believes change can be made — partnerships, local franchising, transport authority run bus services and open data.

The agency’s plans are out for consultation and Dundee City Council’s response will be discussed on Monday.

Lynne Short, convener of the council’s city development committee, said: “It is more than 30 years since the bus market was deregulated in Scotland and the Scottish Government has decided that there is a demand for change.

“Some of the proposals are interesting and innovative, but we are looking for less bureaucracy that will put serving our communities at the heart of decision-making.”

A report by executive director of city development Mike Galloway recommends the council supports the principle of giving local authorities unambiguous powers to operate bus services for the local community, either directly or indirectly through an arms-length company.

Councillors will be asked to back the response which supports legislation to compel bus operators to share data including punctuality figures, because it helps to inform strategic decisions that impact on the bus industry.