Jamie Greene taking on additional role as transport spokesperson

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today appointed Jamie Greene MSP, a West of Scotland MSP, as the party’s transport spokesperson, alongside his role as the party’s economy and finance spokesperson.

The move comes after the most recent Scottish Transport Statistics revealed that the number of bus journeys was still 7% lower than pre-pandemic, while the number of rail journeys was 16% lower than in 2019-20 and the number of ferry journeys was down 7% compared to 2019. The move also comes at a crucial time for the CalMac ferry fleet which has seen further delays to the delivery of the MV Glen Rosa and was recently handed a new £3.9bn contract to run Scotland's west coast ferry services for the next 10 years.

Jamie Greene is also the Deputy Convenor of the Public Audit Committee, which ensures that public money is spent efficiently and effectively.

Daniel O’Malley will continue to serve as an additional spokesperson on the transport portfolio outside parliament.

Jamie Greene said:

“I am delighted to be taking up this important role in Parliament.

“My constituents have been on the frontline of SNP transportation failures since I became and MSP. They’re well familiar with unreliable bus services, expensive trains and ferries stuck in the shipyard.

"Good transport links are essential for a thriving economy, while reliable public transport is a key ingredient in delivering our climate commitments.

“As well as holding the government to account on their broken promises, I want to speak to communities, local authorities, transport campaigners and bosses about how we can do things better. My door is open.”

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“I am really pleased that Jamie has agreed to take up this additional post.

“Knocking doors across the country, we have seen a real uptick in the number of Scots complaining about the state of local transport.

“There’s a real opportunity here for a party that is focused on getting the basics right. People are tired of worn-out roads, expensive trains and buses that just don’t go where you need them to.

“Jamie taking on this role in parliament is a sign that we are serious about offering Scotland an alternative after years of SNP failure.”