Call for Scottish Government to give cash support to Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams

Lothian MSP Sarah Boyack presses case

Lothian Labour MSP Sarah Boyack raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament

Lothians Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has called for the Scottish Government to give cash support to Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams to cope with the fall in passengers.

She said the UK Government last week announced a £1.6 billion package for Transport for London.

But Transport Secretary Michael Matheson told her the government was in detailed talks with bus operators and the city council to see what measures they could put in place.

After the exchange at Holyrood, Ms Boyack said: “While I do welcome the fact that the Scottish Government is in discussion with Edinburgh council, I was disappointed that he gave no commitment to answer the question I asked which was will he support Lothian Buses and our trams now.

“If we are to see a phased return of workers back into our Scottish cities, then our major transport infrastructure must have the funding to help cope with the increase in passenger numbers.

“This includes all necessary PPE and implementing distancing measures to encourage safe practices

“Workers are crucial to the survival of the economy of our towns and cities, and the network of buses are crucial not just for those travelling to work within the Lothians but also those travelling from further afield through the network of park and ride facilities.

“It is vital that there is investment now to ensure that our buses and trams are financially viable over the coming months.

“The UK Government has funded Transport for London with a grant of £1 billion and a loan of £505m. The Scottish Government must now follow suit and offer better support for our struggling transport services.”