The Scottish Government has approved additional expenditure of up
to £35.4 million to enable bus operators to maintain services
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new funding extends the support of up to £61.4 million that
the Scottish Government has already made available in 2021-22,
and up to £191.3 million that was available in 2020-21.
Minister for Transport said:
“Bus services have played a vital role in keeping Scotland moving
safely during the coronavirus pandemic - helping people attend
vaccination appointments and other essential travel, as well as
starting to return to some sense of normality.
“This additional funding of up to £35.4 million means we can
continue to fund operators between June and October, 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 and demand is suppressed.
"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. As restrictions ease
further, we’re asking everyone to play their part in maintaining
a safe travel environment for everyone who needs it.”
Director for the Confederation of Passenger Transport in
Scotland, said:
“CPT welcomes the Scottish Government’s continued recognition of
the important role the bus network plays in facilitating
essential travel for key workers, links to vaccination centres,
and as an accessible, sustainable mode of transport for the
growing number of passenger journeys.
“This funding extension will help meet the costs associated with
running the network at a reduced capacity. CPT will continue to
engage with the Scottish Government to ensure that bus services
provision meets increasing demand as we transition out of
Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing.”
Background
Up to £35.4 million in additional funding is being made available
to cover the period 28 June - 3 October 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 is in addition to up to £61.4 million that the Scottish
Government has already made available in 2021-22, and up to
£191.3 million that was available in 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 currently
forecast at £119.5 million. Funding only covers the gap between
additional Covid-19 operational costs and lost fare revenue due
to physical distancing and reduced demand.
