Meeting of the Parliament 12 November 2025
I think that we can all agree on the importance of having better bus services across Scotland. Communities across Scotland deserve affordable, accessible and reliable bus services because, after all, they are a vital lifeline for so many. Not only can they help the economy to prosper, but they play a key role in Scotland’s social development, linking people to work, education, healthcare and leisure, while offering a real alternative to car travel.
However, our transport network has been run into the ground under the SNP, with vital road upgrades being delayed, an ageing ferry fleet needing overdue vessels and passengers experiencing poorer services. Public transport has become unreliable and far too expensive. Taxpayer subsidies, ticket prices and complaints have all soared, while the number of services and passengers using public transport have plummeted.
We disagree with the Scottish Greens’ idea that more buses should be run “in the public interest”. That vague statement means nothing. The public sector is not automatically the most effective operator. Competition, accountability and efficiency deliver better services. Competition keeps fares fair and reasonable, and it drives operators to deliver punctual, clean and customer-focused services. First Bus, an award-winning bus company, has been keen to reiterate that, stating:
“We believe that voluntary, legally binding partnerships provide the best value to taxpayers and customers”.
Better buses also require proper infrastructure and joined-up thinking. Buses cannot run on time if our roads are in disrepair or road users face disruption, with lengthy diversions due to poorly co-ordinated road works and resulting traffic jams. The Confederation of Passenger Transport Scotland is keen to see faster, greener and safer bus and coach journeys. Its top priorities are to address traffic congestion and to improve journey times for the 900,000 trips that are made by bus every day in Scotland. The average bus in Scotland travels at 11.3 miles per hour.