Evelyn Tweed (Stirling)
(SNP): Bus passengers across rural Stirling are
experiencing last-minute cancellations, especially on services
X10, 38 and 52. First Bus
has advised that there is a shortage of bus drivers. Can the
Scottish Government advise on what more can be done to address
those shortages and other issues that are affecting the industry?
The Minister for Transport
(Jenny Gilruth): There is currently a shortage of
heavy goods vehicle drivers for buses and lorries as a result of
the pandemic creating a backlog in testing and training. That has
been exacerbated by Brexit, which has prevented people from the
European Union from coming to Scotland to work freely.
With regard to our representations, we have repeatedly sought a
formal role in determining which occupations are on the shortage
occupation list, but the UK has denied us that. Bus drivers are
not included in the SOL. I understand that the UK Government will
be reviewing the list later in the year, and we have asked for
full involvement in that process.
The current position is clearly causing issues for local and
national bus services across the country. We have provided up to
£210 million of funding to support bus services during the
pandemic and an additional £40 million to support recovery for
this year. In addition, I have asked Transport Scotland for
urgent advice on why it appears that so many services are now
being cancelled as a result of shortages and on how the service
changes are impacting on communities more broadly.
