Increase public stake in buses to help recovery
Increasing the public stake in bus companies will help Scotland ease out of lockdown, the Scottish Greens have said.
The call comes after First Group told Good Morning Scotland the company will find maintaining social distancing on routes “unsustainable” once lockdown is eased.
Scottish Green transport spokesperson John Finnie said: “Scotland can only start to leave lockdown when it is safe to do so, but we need to ensure that when we get moving again, jobs are protected and people are safe.
“Bus companies admit that they will struggle to make a profit when social distancing is taking place, but profit should never have been the priority for public transport.
“Instead of handing bailouts to shareholders, the Scottish Government and councils should explore ways to increase public stakes in the companies to ensure fleets are maximised, routes continue to serve communities and secure the future of jobs in the sector.”