Most rural Scots unhappy with public transport

Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP has today said that his party would “get Scotland moving again”, after a new transport report showed that most people living in rural parts of the country are not satisfied with public transport.

New findings from the latest Transport and Travel in Scotland report show that:

• Only 41% of people in accessible rural areas were satisfied with public transport.
• Just 43% of people in remote rural areas were satisfied with public transport.
• Satisfaction with public transport in large urban areas is almost double what it is in rural areas.

The report also reveals that:

• A third of respondents did not feel safe using bus services during the evening.
• More than a fifth of people disagreed that buses ran to timetable.

Jamie Greene MSP said:

“The SNP are holding Scotland back.

“Rural communities are yet again bearing the brunt of the SNP’s failures, from the nightmare of the ferries fiasco to endless disruption on the railways.

“Across Scotland, people are also worried about using late-night public transport, particularly buses, which can discourage them from participating in the night-time economy and enjoying places like pubs, clubs or music venues.

“Many key workers also rely on bus services and are being forced to pay for taxis home from work, which is shocking.

“From improving safety on public transport to introducing a ferries bill that guarantees a more reliable network, we have a realistic plan to get Scotland moving again so no one, nowhere is left behind. You can vote for that plan next May by backing us on your second, peach-coloured ballot paper.”