Scottish Liberal Democrats want to encourage the use of buses in Scotland to reduce congestion in our cities, link up local communities and reduce carbon emissions.

But our bus services are under threat from cuts made by the SNP government to the Bus Service Operators Grant.

Jim Hume MSP

The SNP government has not only cut the BSOG from £60.8 million to £53.8 million – a cut of 17.5% - but has also changed the formula by which this is paid. This has led to price hikes, job cuts and services slashed.

We have called on the SNP government to use the extra money available to Scotland following the UK budget last month to reduce the impact of the cuts on passengers who rely on our bus services.

The UK Coalition government has made extra money available - £9million this year and £7million next year.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Transport spokesman Jim Hume said:

“The extra money coming from Westminster gives us the opportunity to take action to help passengers.

"The extent of the problem has become much clearer since the Scottish Budget was passed with some passengers already starting to feel in the impact of the cuts with fare increases and reduced services.

“The Transport Minister has rushed through these plans at a time when we should be promoting the use of buses in an effort to cut our carbon emissions.

"I want the SNP government to use the extra money made available by the UK Coalition government to protect bus services in Scotland.

"Please sign the petition below to join growing numbers of people who want to to save our buses."

Sign our petition

I/we call for the SNP government to use the extra money available from the UK Coalition government to reduce the impact of cuts to bus services in Scotland.