Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP has blasted the SNP’s ‘breathtaking hypocrisy’ for refusing to pass on a fuel duty rebate to bus operators.

Speaking during a debate in the Scottish Parliament on bus services, Mrs McInnes also called for the National Concessionary Travel Scheme to be extended to older and disabled people who use community transport in rural areas.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

“It is a disgrace that the Scottish Government chose not to pass on the Westminster funded fuel duty rebate. The £7.5million that should have gone directly to operators to help keep bus fares down has been siphoned off to pay for other SNP promises. As a result, bus passengers across the network have had to cough up for bigger fares.

“The Transport Minister’s hypocrisy is breathtaking. He has condemned the failure of the Westminster Government to respond to the increase in the price of oil, but at the same time his own government has refused to deliver the rebate that benefits bus passengers in England.

“Community transport organisations provide a vital service to many older and disabled people living in rural areas. Concessionary fares have made a real difference to bus users across Scotland. The full benefits are, however, not felt in rural areas because community transport services are not eligible to take part in the scheme. This needs to be resolved.”