Bus companies across Courier country have warned that services could deteriorate without state intervention.
Xplore Dundee, Stagecoach and others in Scotland have combined to pressure the Scottish Government for help after an independent report highlighted the operators were not responsible for the majority of reasons why people have stopped using the bus.
The companies have formed a focus group attacking what they perceive as a disparity between Scottish state spending on rail services compared to buses.
Professional auditors KPMG were drafted in as independent auditors of the damning report by the Confederation of Passenger Transport Scotland – the bus operators’ industry body.
Transport Scotland has hit back at the claims, saying they do not acknowledge bus patronage use being in “universal decline” in Scotland, saying it is localised to certain areas.
Managing director of Xplore Dundee Elsie Turbyne said: “We face issues with congestion, increased car ownership and a reduction in public sector investment.
“The time has come to take action to provide support for the bus industry, as we work hard to provide the best levels of service possible amid increasing pressures.
“We’re appealing to local politicians and decision makers to consider practical steps towards reversing the decline in bus travel.
“And we are urging our passengers to do the same by asking their political representatives about how they are going to tackle congestion, introduce bus-friendly policies and support Dundee’s local bus services.”
A spokesman for Stagecoach said: “It is important the investment being made by bus operators is matched by practical changes from local authorities and the Scottish Government to tackle congestion, help speed up journey times and attract more people on to bus services, plus tackle the growing issue of poor air quality.”
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said: “We continue to spend nearly £250 million a year in grants to support the bus network, promote the take-up of green buses and provide free bus travel for older and disabled people.
“We are aware of a decline in bus patronage, but know this decline is not universal across Scotland.
“One of the ways we aim to make these local improvements is through the forthcoming transport bill, with the introduction of a new partnership model.
“We encourage both active and public transport modes in our efforts to get more people out of their cars and on to more sustainable forms of transport, bringing health and environmental benefits with that.”
