Scottish First Minister plans public control of bus services by 2031

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

Scotland's First Minister has announced plans to bring the country's bus network under public control by 2031.

John Swinney announced at the SNP conference in Aberdeen that Scotland's bus network will be brought under public control by 2031. The process will involve franchising and regulation changes, allowing regional transport partnerships greater control over routes and fares without the Scottish Government directly owning services. A Bill will be tabled in Holyrood next year to begin this process.

McGill's Group, the UK's largest independent bus operator, responded with strong opposition. Co-owner Sandy Easdale compared Swinney to dictators Idi Amin and Robert Mugabe, stating both had "bankrupted their countries through catastrophic financial policies". Ralph Roberts, McGill's chairman, accused Swinney of "business confiscation" and said the company would "pursue every available legal avenue" to protect its business.

Scotland's Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth pledged to work with bus companies on implementing the plans. She said the Scottish Government was "protecting" Scots who have faced route closures in recent years. Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has already begun a franchising process, with estimates suggesting it could take up to seven years and cost £15 million.

How it is being reported

• We’ll work with bus owners, Gilruth says, after Swinney compared to dictatorsScotland’s Finance Secretary has pledged to work with bus companies to bring buses back under public control after a major firm accused First Minister John Swinney of behaving like a dictator.Glasgow Times · 18 Oct, 12:18
• John Swinney compared to dictator as bus plans branded ‘business confiscation’John Swinney has been compared to dictators as McGill's Group threatens legal action over plans to bring buses in Scotland under public control.The Herald · 18 Oct, 11:20

In this story: John Swinney · McGill's Group · Scotland · Jenny Gilruth · Sandy Easdale · James Easdale · Ralph Roberts

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