Question reference: S5W-34037
- Asked by: George Adam, MSP for Paisley, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 14 December 2020
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Michael Matheson on 15 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether COVID-19 funding for bus operators will be extended beyond 17 January 2021.
Answer
Today I am announcing up to £29 million in further funding to support bus operators to maintain bus services between 18 January and 31 March 2021. This is in addition to the £162.3 million in funding that the Scottish Government has been providing since June to support bus services. This funding will cover the expected loss of fare revenue due to carrying capacity constraints as a result of physical distancing and reduced demand.
Bus travel typically accounts for almost three quarters of public transport journeys, so this funding is vital in keeping public transport running for those who need it while capacity is reduced due to physical distancing.