Bus operators to be given another £2.7m to help with rising fuel costs
The Transport Secretary warned of the ‘real risk’ to services, including ‘potential network collapse, due to rising costs.
Bus operators will be given £2.7 million to help with the rising cost of fuel, the Transport Secretary has announced.
Stephen Flynn said fuel hikes pose a “real risk” to services, including fare increases and “potential network collapse”.
Since April, the Scottish Government has given £3.5 million to bus firms to help maintain bus services and limit fare increases.
A further £2.7 million will be provided to continue that support until October 2026, bringing the total funding to £6.2 million.
Mr Flynn said: “The services provided by bus operators and community transport operators are absolutely critical to keeping Scotland moving and allowing people to access essential goods and services.
“Fuel makes up a significant portion of bus operating costs, and this increase in costs poses real risk to services, fare increases and potential network collapse – particularly for quieter routes, rural and semi-rural areas and community transport organisations who operate on thin margins.
“I’m pleased that the Scottish Government is able to offer additional support at this time and provide what I hope is some much-needed assurance to transport operators and passengers alike.”