Two thirds of Scots unhappy with bus services

TWO thirds of Scots are unhappy with their local bus services, according to a new report.

The figures from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) also reveal more than half of the 4,600 surveyed believe buses are often late.

A total of 58% of respondents said they feel their local service offers poor value for money, with concerns too about safety, cleanliness and the quality of fare information.

CAS chief executive Derek Mitchell said: “Public transport is a social justice issue. People deserve a bus service that is reliable, affordable and pleasant to use, yet it is clear from this research that Scotland’s buses often fail to meet these standards.

“The responses came from all parts of Scotland but there was a notably high rate from people in rural areas, where problems like bus infrequency are often more acute.

“Having gathered this data, CAS will now be meeting with bus companies, local authorities and the Scottish Government to find ways of addressing these issues.

“Our objective here is to create better journeys for the people who rely on bus services.”

The Creating Better Journeys report, part of a Scotland-wide survey, also shows 16% of respondents said they do not have a bus service to the hospital or GP.