Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) Partnership has unanimously approved the Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy (SRBS) and action plan, including development of bus franchising across the region.

The Strategy also includes actions to develop bus infrastructure, traffic management, and wider policies to support bus.

Following the public consultation on the future of bus in the west of Scotland earlier in the year, 83% of survey respondents supported the view that SPT should take forward plans for bus franchising with 5% opposing such plans.

SPT chair Stephen Dornan said:

“The public consultation clearly demonstrates that the majority of those who responded are not satisfied with the current bus network and most organisations which responded do not believe the current bus network meets the needs of the general public. SPT will now take forward plans for the development of bus franchising.” 

SPT vice chair Alan Moir added:

“Bus plays a huge role in our society serving many poorly connected and disadvantaged communities. We need an improved bus network to unlock the economic potential of our region and to address the climate emergency. Moving forward with plans for bus franchising we hope will ensure better sustainable access for those communities, opening up new opportunities in education, employment and training in the future.”

 SPT vice chair David Wilson said:

“As SPT moves forward with plans for future franchising, we need to continue to work collaboratively with the bus industry to deliver a better and more accountable bus service for passengers.”

As part of the consultation, respondents were asked to rate the importance of a range of themes:

1: Buses where they are needed, when they are needed

• 97% of respondents rate this theme as very important (80%) or important (17%) 

2: Reliable and quicker bus journeys

• 97% of respondents rate this theme as very important (74%) or important (23%).  

3: Affordable and attractive fares and ticketing

• 94% of respondents rate this theme as very important (76%) or important (18%). 

4: Accessible and safer bus journeys

• 91% of respondents rate this theme as very important (61%) or important (30%). 

5: A trusted and recognisable bus network  

• 85% of respondents rate this theme as very important (55%) or important (30%). 

6: A seamless and integrated bus network

• 94% of respondents rate this theme as very important (68%) or important (26%). 

7: A more environmentally sustainable, resilient and adaptable bus network and fleet include:  

• 82% of respondents rate this theme as very important (51%) or important (31%). 

Now that the Partnership has approved the final Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy, SPT will now work up a costed programme and timeline to deliver a Franchise Framework Assessment as required by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019). This programme will be presented to the Partnership in December 2025.