Target to reverse bus use decline rejected

A call for a legally-binding target to reverse the decline in bus use has been rejected by the transport minister.

Humza Yousaf told MSPS he did not believe a centrally imposed target was the right way to tackle falling passenger numbers.

The Scottish Greens used a debate at the parliament to press for the measure to be included in the forthcoming Transport Bill.

Figures in February revealed the number of bus journeys made in Scotland fell by almost 10 per cent in five years, going from 436 million in 2011-12 to 393 million in 2016-17.

Green MSP John Finnie said: “Nearly 20 per cent of bus journeys are subsidised so it’s entirely reasonable to have a target increasing bus usage.

“It is very clear that buses stand out as the only transport type in decline.

“I accept the solution we have proposed will be complex with bus companies, local authorities and the Scottish Government working together, but to make this work will require clear ambition.

“It’s fair to say that the solution will be different in different parts of the country, all this can be accommodated under a high-level statutory target.

“It fits well with other targets, it fits well on inclusive communities, connectivity, anti-poverty, air pollution, domestic manufacturing and climate change.”