Green MSP says buses are key to improving air quality across Fife

transport: MSP looks south of the Forth to the Lothians for examples of bus network that work for the community

Fife’s “inefficient and expensive” bus services could be harming public health, according to Green MSP Mark Ruskell.

Mr Ruskell said better services could help reduce pollution levels at a time when poor air quality is killing around 2,500 people in Scotland every year.

Two areas of Fife – Dunfermline and Cupar – are among 38 spots across Scotland where illegal levels of air pollution have been recorded.

Mr Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said the role of decent public transport in improving air quality could not be overlooked.

“Delivering a decent bus service would help to reduce congestion and thus pollution in our towns, cities and rural communities,” he said.

He said a more efficient bus service could result in the removal of thousands of cars from local roads each year.

He pointed to the Lothian Bus model as an example of a popular and punctual service that could be replicated north of the Forth.

“The quality of bus services across the country varies enormously,” he said.

“Communities in Edinburgh are well catered for by the popular service provided by Lothian Buses, while many people in Fife tell me inefficient and expensive services are the norm.

“Many communities rely on public transport, including the one-third of people in Scotland that don’t have access to a car.

“It’s vital that people have access to decent public transport that turns up on time and doesn’t cost a fortune.”

Stagecoach East Scotland operations director David Frenz said the company was doing its best but was hampered by issues beyond its control.

“Buses offer the solution to Scotland’s air pollution problem but unfortunately, along with other road users, our customers are being affected by the serious issue of traffic congestion which reduces the reliability of bus services, pushes up fares, damages air quality and undermines the attractiveness of bus travel,” he said.

“We continue to invest in improvements for our customers, and in cleaner, greener vehicles and have spent more than £4 million on new buses over the last year alone – however, we need those responsible for road infrastructure to match that commitment by freeing up road space to let buses flourish.”

It’s vital that people have access to decent public transport that turns up ontimeand doesn’t cost a fortune. MARK RUSKELL MSP