Cathy is behind new bus bill

Oct 9 2009 by Stuart Wilson

BUS companies are set to come under council scrutiny, if a new bill is passed through parliament.

Ayrshire MSP Cathy Jamieson is throwing her weight behind the bill, proposed by colleague Charlie Gordon.

If passed, councils would be given more power to intervene when bus services aren’t seen to be doing their job.

The bill reads: “It’s clear that, in some parts of Scotland, market forces have failed to meet the public’s aspirations for bus services and standards, and therefore regulation is required; that is the purpose of the Regulation of Bus Services Bill, which has been formally lodged and on which public consultation has started.”

The bill will also authorise free bus travel for anyone receiving the lower rate of disability living allowance, and their carer or escort.

And it’s a bill that Ms Jamieson, the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, is keen to support.

It follows an outcry from passengers at changes made by Stagecoach to services in and around Ayr.

Bus regulars launched protests after being told their journeys would be split on crucial routes.

Angry shoppers led the way as drastic alterations were made to the popular Asda route.

A petition stacked with 2000 signatures was also gathered, but Stagecoach chiefs insisted their changes had gone down a treat.

That was despite passengers complaining of packed buses and calling on politicians to get involved.

Now Ms Jamieson is pledging to do her bit.

She said: “I’m really disappointed that Stagecoach have not listened to local people.

“And I’ll be supporting this legislation as it passes through parliament.”

Mr Gordon, the MSP for Glasgow Cathcart, hopes to give councils more power to act when things go awry.

Less expense will be involved should councils wish to challenge companies like Stagecoach over service provision.