Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has launched the public consultation into its draft Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy (SRBS).

The draft strategy describes the bus network that is needed to improve bus for existing passengers, make it more attractive to new users, and ensure bus is providing essential access for everyone who relies on it.  SPT is aiming for a ‘cycle of growth’ with a bus network that delivers:

• Buses where they are needed, when they are needed
• Reliable and quicker bus journeys
• Affordable and attractive fares and ticketing
• Accessible and safer bus journeys
• A trusted and recognisable bus network
• A seamless and integrated bus network
• A more environmentally sustainable, resilient and adaptable bus network fleet.

To deliver the strategy, SPT is proposing to develop bus franchising arrangements for the region.

However, given the complex and lengthy process to deliver franchised services (compliant with the terms of Transport (Scotland) Act 2019) SPT firmly believes that action is needed between now and implementation of any franchised service. SPT will work directly with partners and within the voluntary partnerships arrangements to drive improvements and investment in bus infrastructure and traffic management whilst the case for franchising is further developed. 

The draft SRBS was recently approved for consultation at SPT’s Strategy and Programmes Committee.

Chair of the committee Councillor Alan Moir said:

“The draft SRBS sets out what we need from bus in the future. That is a better co-ordinated and more recognisable network with buses that are more frequent, more reliable, more affordable and easier to use.  We need to do this with the support of all those collectively employed in the bus sector, fully harnessing all our strengths to stablise the market and deliver bus reform.”

The consultation is now open for 12 weeks to give everyone the opportunity to feedback.

People have the opportunity to feedback on proposals for the development of a bus franchising model for local services across the region, building on and working with the expertise of the bus sector to deliver better bus services for passengers while making bus more accountable to the public and securing commitment to delivering bus priority.

Anyone wanting to participate can visit SPT’s website and social media channels to find out more or visit: https://bit.ly/3PPerXr

Once the public consultation is complete, SPT intends to take a final version of the strategy to SPT committee later in 2025.