Buses to be brought under public control by 2031, says John Swinney

Buses in Scotland will be brought under public control by 2031, John Swinney has said.

Speaking at his party’s annual conference in Aberdeen, the First Minister told delegates his Government will make changes to franchising and regulation by the next election.

The changes, it is understood, will allow regional transport partnerships to have more control over routes and fares on the bus network, without the Government having to actively own it.

A Bill will be tabled in Holyrood next year.

The First Minister told party members: “We need more buses and we need more frequent buses.

“It’s good for commuters and it’s good for the climate.

“I can therefore announce today that by the end of this parliament, through franchising and regulation, the SNP will bring the bus network back into public control.”

Mr Swinney also announced the extension of the £2 bus fare cap in his speech on Saturday, with Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to be covered from April.

The current cap covers the greater Glasgow area and the Highlands and Islands, with the Government planning to expand it to the whole country by the end of the parliamentary term in 2031.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “We welcome his pledge to further extend the £2 bus fares cap, and to bring the bus network into public control.

“We will work with the Scottish Government on this to ensure it is delivered in the interest of the people of Scotland.”