To ask the Scottish Government what engagement Transport Scotland has with regional transport partnerships, such as SWestrans, regarding contractual requirements for key local public transport services, including the provision of rural buses. (S6O-03989)

We recognise the importance of public transport for local communities and that ensuring the long-term sustainability of those vital local routes is a collaborative endeavour. Transport Scotland regularly engages with regional transport partnerships on transport matters, including challenges in, and opportunities to increase, the accessibility, availability and affordability of public transport. For example, Transport Scotland attended a meeting of RTP chairs in September to discuss the future of bus services in Scotland. SWestrans attended a related Transport Scotland-held workshop in October, along with other RTPs and stakeholders. However, Transport Scotland has not had any recent, specific engagement with SWestrans on its local bus service contract.

I have been contacted by many constituents who rely on the 500 bus service, which serves communities from Stranraer to Dumfries. Many people use the service to travel to hospital appointments, employment and social events. The journey can take in excess of three hours and there is no toilet on the bus. If there is a toilet, it is often locked, because the transport body, SWestrans, has never included a toilet in the contract. Does the minister agree that that is unacceptable? Could he suggest whether some kind of guidance could be created for regional transport partnerships to ensure that that situation is rectified and that it does not happen in other parts of Scotland?

I agree that the situation that Emma Harper has described does not seem to be providing an adequate, never mind a good, service for people. That is exactly the sort of issue that we need to resolve if we are to encourage more people to travel by bus. The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and I have made clear our expectations that Scotland’s transport providers and public services will continually improve their performance and people’s travel experiences. The adequate provision of toilets during journeys is, clearly, a fundamental part of that. I would be very happy to meet the member to discuss solutions to the situation in Dumfries and Galloway.

The most recent report to SWestrans about the bus network said that it faced an existential threat. Services have been axed, passenger numbers have plummeted and fares have rocketed. Why does the Government keep cutting funding to SWestrans year after year in real terms, when more support is needed to prevent the bus network in Dumfries and Galloway from collapsing?

SWestrans, among other services, is funded through the network support grant. We will monitor the situation with SWestrans. I have already said that I will meet with Emma Harper, and we will take it from there.

The chamber has agreed that franchising can be a solution to the problems that have been described. Although the Scottish statutory instrument, the Local Services Franchises (Traffic Commissioner Notices and Panels) (Scotland) Regulations 2024, passed by the skin of its teeth, the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee raised serious concerns about the panel model. What discussions have taken place to address concerns that the process will be undemocratic, unnecessary and inappropriate?

The process is absolutely necessary. We have passed the SSI. The process started in 2019 and we have gone through the entire process. We are where we are.