Scottish Liberal Democrats respond to publication of Fair Fares Review

Responding to the publication of the Scottish Government’s Fair Fares Review, Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson for rural affairs and connectivity Beatrice Wishart MSP said:

“The Scottish Government promised this review would deliver solutions. Instead, four transport secretaries and almost three years later, it offers precious little improvement to our public transport system.

“The review is silent on key issues, such as shared cabins and the related concessionary vouchers issue on the Northern Isles route, the scrapping of seasonal fares for island residents on Serco NorthLink ferries, or new options for rail season tickets.

“I have repeatedly called on ministers to extend the under-22 bus pass to inter-island ferries, and it’s disappointing that, even now, they have only just decided to 'develop the proposal.' Many of those who could have benefited have missed out as a result of this needless delay.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats want to see fares cut, new two/three day a week season tickets on trains, reliable ferries and communities put in charge of when and where buses go. It’s clear this SNP/Green government has a very long road to travel before it gets there.”