The Scottish Government has approved additional expenditure of up
to £61.4 million to enable bus operators to maintain services
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new funding extends the support of up to £191.3 million
provided to increase bus services since June 2020.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity
said:
“Bus services have been absolutely vital in keeping Scotland
moving safely during the coronavirus pandemic – most recently,
helping people attend vaccination appointments as well as other
essential journeys.
“This additional funding of up to £61.4 million means we can
continue to fund operators for just over twelve weeks between
April and June, helping to fill the gap between the additional
costs of running services due to COVID-19 and reduced ticket
income while vital restrictions remain in place.
"While we will continue to do all we can to support our bus
industry and our public transport network, it is important that
the public continue to follow the most up-to-date travel guidance
and to walk, wheel or cycle where possible.
“Particularly as more pupils return to schools next week; we’re
asking everyone to play their part in ensuring that the currently
reduced capacity on board buses is there for those who really
need it. I give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has worked so
hard to help us create a safe travel environment under
unprecedented circumstances.”
Director for CPT in Scotland, said:
“CPT welcomes the Government’s continued recognition of the
important role the bus network is playing in facilitating
essential journeys for key workers, enabling children to return
to school, and providing vital travel links to vaccination
centres.
This funding extension will help meet the costs associated with
running the network while experiencing significantly reduced
capacity. CPT will continue to engage with Scottish Government to
ensure that bus services provision meets demand as we hopefully
gradually and safely transition out of Covid-19 restrictions and
social distancing.”
Background
Up to £61.4 million in additional funding is being made available
to cover the period 1 April-27 June 2021. This funding covers the
gap between additional operational costs due to Covid-19 and the
loss of fare revenue due to physical distancing and reduced
demand.
This funding is in addition to up to £191.3 million that the
Scottish Government has made available to support bus services in
the financial year 2020-21. This funding is subject to regular
reconciliation to ensure we are not over or under paying
operators and actual spend in 2020-21 is forecast at £144.5
million.
Guidance on how and when to travel is available on the Transport Scotland
website.
Information on financial support for bus
services is also available.
