Greene calls for urgent national review of rural transport

Scottish Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP has today demanded a full independent national review of rural bus services and public transport contingency planning.

This follows what Mr Greene described as a “pathetic and complacent” response from the Scottish Government to a question on the escalating bus strike crisis in Ayrshire.

Speaking during Topical Questions at Holyrood, Mr Greene pressed the Minister for clarity on what the Government is doing to protect public connectivity amid six weeks of continuous strike action by over 400 Stagecoach drivers.

More than 30 local bus routes across Ayr, Ardrossan and Arran have been suspended until 21 July, leaving thousands stranded.

In response, the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity of Scotland admitted that he had not spoken to either Stagecoach or Unite, and offered no explanation as to contingency plans in place to support rural communities.

The MSP has now formally called on the Government to commission a national, independent review of rural bus networks, with a focus on emergency planning and service resilience, to ensure communities are never again left behind during industrial action or operator disruption.

Mr Greene said the exchange in Holyrood had confirmed what many in affected communities feared, that the Scottish Government has no real plan to support vulnerable or rural residents when services fail, or strike action occurs.

Commenting, Mr Greene said: 

“The Minister’s response was frankly pathetic.

“He hasn’t spoken to the union. He hasn’t spoken to the operator. And he offered absolutely nothing to the communities being left completely stranded.

“This is no longer just about a pay dispute, it’s about basic public connectivity, and the Government is washing its hands of responsibility.

“Public transport is a public responsibility. Ministers cannot keep hiding behind the word ‘private’ while communities suffer.

“If a single company’s strike can shut down public transport for half a region, the system is broken.

“The Government must urgently commit to a root-and-branch review of Scotland’s rural bus services — how they’re funded, how they’re protected, and how we keep people connected in a crisis.”