“Scottish Bus Week is a chance for us to look at the potential that buses can provide to help us tackle climate change,” said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North and West), commenting on the first ever Scottish Bus Week which runs from 23rd May until 29th May.

Scottish Bus Week, is an initiative from #lovemybus (from Transform Scotland) supported by Paths for All and partners – including First Bus, Lothian, Stagecoach, Borders Buses and West Coast Motors. Scottish Bus Week will be delivered in partnership with CPT Scotland.

While buses can reduce emissions, air pollution and inequalities across our communities, they also make a significant contribution to our economy. Scotland manufactures low and zero emission buses. Investment in building buses and providing bus services creates jobs. Buses reduce congestion which can cost Scotland £2 billion a year. In most communities buses are the main public transport for education, work and leisure.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“It’s important to tackle the climate challenges facing all of us, and one key sector is that of transport. A switch to using low and zero emission buses instead of cars can help to protect our environment by reducing congestion and improving air quality.

“Buses – both in their use and in the manufacture of low and zero emission buses can strengthen our economy and help deliver a just transition to a clean, green economy.

“A modal shift from private cars to public transport like buses – especially where low and no emission vehicles are used – can make a vast improvement in our attempts to tackle climate change.

“The Scottish Government has already outlined plans on council’s gaining new powers over bus routes, whether running services themselves or in partnership with bus companies – this could help to revitalise bus services in communities all across Scotland who feel they are missing out on an adequate bus service.”