Scottish Greens push for action to make public transport cheaper
Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer MSP has urged the Scottish Government to make public transport cheaper for everyone.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Mr Greer welcomed the Government’s agreement to deliver Scottish Green proposals such as free ferry travel for young islanders and free bus travel for asylum seeker. But he highlighted a lack of further action in the draft budget to bring down the price of commuting for Scottish workers.
The Scottish Greens had previously scrapped peak rail fares, however, the SNP government brought them back shortly after the Greens left Government. Funding for walking and cycling has also been cut and there appears to be no additional funding for the integrated ticketing announcement made as part of a Government climate package in April.
One of the Greens' top asks for this budget was for a £2 cap on bus fares, ending the extortionate swindle of many private bus companies. This proposal was absent from the SNP’s first draft, published on Wednesday.
Mr Greer said:
“The Scottish Greens certainly welcome progressive measures in this budget, including acceptance of Green proposals for free ferry travel for young islanders and free bus travel for asylum seekers.
“But peak rail fares removed by Greens have returned, there is no cap on price of bus fares as we proposed, funding to make walking and cycling safer has been cut, and it doesn’t appear there is any funding for the integrated ticketing announcement the government made in April. There is though plenty for climate-wrecking motorway expansion.
“Does the First Minister recognise that far more is needed to make public transport cheaper, cycling safer and reduce transport emissions to protect our planet?”