FUNDING cuts are putting bus services in Dumfries and Galloway at risk, says one MSP.
South Scotland politician Colin Smyth has questioned Scottish Minister for Connectivity Jim Fairlie over the fact that bus services locally were being cut- while the Scottish Government had frozen annual funding to South West of Scotland Transport Partnership (SWESTRANs) at just £249,000 per year for the past few years.
He pointed out that a report to SWESTRANs board in September stated that the bus network in Dumfries and Galloway faced “an existential threat”.
At the Scottish Parliament, My Smyth said: “Services have been axed, passenger numbers have plummeted and fares have rocketed.
“Why does the Government keep cutting funding to SWestrans year after year in real terms, when more support is needed to prevent the bus network in Dumfries and Galloway from collapsing?”
Afterwards, the MSP warned that buses in Scotland are “on the brink”, saying: “Our region is a predominantly rural area and bus services have repeatedly been cut, while fares continue to rise, leaving local people left with no public transport options.
“We urgently need to cap fares and take action to protect services – but the Scottish Government refuses to listen and provide the support needed.
“We need to act now to end years of decline and prevent our bus networks being further decimated.
“We need Dumfries and Galloway Council to urgently pursue this option and the Government to provide the funds they need to set up publicly owned bus services.”
