Better buses blow

An opportunity to provide Inverclyde with better buses has been missed, says Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil.

The MSP had signed a bill proposed by his colleague Charlie Gordon that would have allowed local authorities to regulate bus travel and provide gaps in services.

It would also have extended free bus travel to all disabled people.

But the bill failed to attract support from enough MSPs in other parties and has now fallen.

Greenock MSP Duncan McNeil is determined to keep pressing for better buses in Inverclyde despite the setback.

He said: “There is clearly a real gap in our bus services and this was an ideal opportunity to put that right.

“It is not acceptable that people are unable to take a bus to church on a Sunday, or to visit a friend at hospital in the evening just because their journey isn’t profitable enough for the bus companies.

“I would also have welcomed extended the concessionary travel scheme to all people receiving the disability living allowance.

“So it is disappointing that this bill did not get past the first hurdle because of a lack of support from other MSPs.

“But I will keep pressing for the proposals in this bill to be enacted and provide the people of this area with better buses.

The Regulation of Bus Services (Scotland) Bill requires the support of 18 MSPs, drawn from at least two political parties.

No SNP, Lib Dem, Green or Conservative MSPs signed the bill in time for the January deadline and it now cannot proceed under the rules of the Scottish Parliament.

To sign up for the campaign for better buses, please visit www.scottishlabour.org.uk/bus

ENDS