Conclusions and Next Steps
Progress Towards Taskforce Objectives
Objective 1
Set out a collaborative pathway for increasing patronage long term and begin discussions on progressing longer term strategic goals.
Progress
Partially achieved
Next steps
The discussions and findings of the Taskforce will be used to inform and shape further collaborative work between national government, local government, bus operators and stakeholders.
Objective 2
Co-design pathway to address driver shortages.
Progress
Achieved
Next steps
Work progressed through the Taskforce and a continuation of focus on driver recruitment and retention is helping to alleviate driver shortages.
Objective 3
Co-design best practice guidance for community engagement on networks and changes.
Progress
Achieved
Next steps
All Taskforce stakeholders to adopt and use the guidance and report any feedback to Community Transport Association.
Objective 4
Establish Regional Steering Groups to support implementation of immediate actions, and to review local bus networks - giving consideration to the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 powers and emerging travel patterns.
Progress
Partially achieved
Next steps
Regional Stakeholders have been engaged throughout the process through membership of the Taskforce and sub-group. The benefits of establishing Regional Steering Groups will be considered further as part of future collaborative working.
Next Steps
The Taskforce was established as a short-life group to build momentum on action to address immediate challenges facing the bus industry following the Covid pandemic. Many of the actions agreed by the sub-groups, particularly in relation to driver shortages and community engagement, have been completed and progress has been made. However the challenges identified by the Taskforce point to a set of longer-term issues that need sustained, collaborative action from operators, local and regional bodies and Government.
Beyond addressing immediate challenges following the pandemic, the Scottish Government is committed to a long term, sustainable future for the bus sector, as set out in our National Transport Strategy.
We must all continue to work in partnership to make bus travel a more attractive option, highlighting the benefits of moving away from private car use and promoting greater use of our public transport network.
Bus will play an integral part of the work to deliver on our Vision for the Future of Public Transport. Transport Scotland, working with industry to respond to current Scottish bus sector landscape, opportunities and challenges.
In March 2024, the Scottish Government published the Fair Fares Review which has established a framework which will be built upon as we progress with wider work to deliver on our Vision for the Future of Public Transport. Public transport has a crucial role to play in achieving our government's priorities on equality, opportunity, and community. The Review signals our intention to address how we will deliver on these objectives to make our public transport system more accessible, available and affordable.
Appendix A: Terms of Reference and Membership of Bus Taskforce
Background
A reliable, affordable and viable bus network is central to Scotland’s transport system. Buses provide a flexible form of public transport that can be readily adapted to suit demand. The majority public transport journeys are made by bus, and for some communities, bus is the only form of public transport. Bus is most often used by women, people on lower incomes, disabled people, young people, and members of ethnic minorities.
Government and industry share common objectives to grow demand for bus and make it an attractive and viable alternative to private car. On 1 August 2022 the Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth MSP, convened a meeting with bus operators and local government to initiate discussion on key issues, particularly rising operational costs in the face of lower patronage and workforce shortages.
Increasing patronage
Rising costs are affecting the financial viability of bus services, particularly those in rural areas where patronage is typically lower. To protect against cost volatility and ensure the financial sustainability of our bus network, we must increase patronage.
Patronage is increasing following the pandemic but not yet at pre Covid levels. In addition, some travel patterns appear to have changed more permanently following prolonged restrictions and an increase in working and shopping from home. Some elderly and more vulnerable members of society lack confidence in the safety of public transport following the pandemic.
There is still uncertainty about the extent to which all post Covid changes are permanent but it is highly likely that many new travel patterns are becoming the norm. Different bus networks will be required while maintaining flexibility to respond to (re)emerging demand and to avoid the worst effects of reduced connectivity and service cuts further reducing demand.
Workforce pressures
High driver turnover has historically been recorded among many bus operators. Since Autumn 2021, this has been exacerbated by increased rates of attrition, the global labour shortage, and further impacted by Brexit and the effects of the pandemic.
Transport Scotland convened a working group in Autumn 2021 to address these issues. The group worked with DVLA and DVSA to address the backlog in applications and reduce processing times. They also worked with DWP and looked at potential sources for new recruits such as the ex-forces, and created a ‘myth busting’ paper to encourage new recruits into the industry.
Purpose
The taskforce will address the immediate challenges to help bus networks move to a more sustainable footing following Covid and ensure that recovery is fully supported by wider policies to improve bus services across Scotland.
It will specifically review and coordinate immediate activity to support patronage recovery, to address workforce retention and recruitment, and to ensure proactive communication and engagement with bus users as networks adapt post Covid.
In this context, the taskforce will convene for a total of three meetings over the course of six months, after which progress will be reviewed.
The taskforce aims to achieve the following outcomes:
- Set out a collaborative pathway for increasing patronage long term,
- Co-design pathway to address driver shortages.
- Co-design best practice guidance for community engagement on networks and changes.
- Begin discussions on progressing longer term strategic goals
- Establish Regional Steering Groups to support implementation of immediate actions, and to review local bus networks - giving consideration to the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 powers and emerging travel patterns.
Scope and Remit
Membership will be limited to 21 attendees consisting of representatives from the bus industry. Attendees will be carefully chosen to facilitate proactive discussions whilst considering wider implications.
At each meeting, the Taskforce will discuss and agree next steps for each sub group along with one of the topics listed below:
- Sustainable and flexible networks once recovery funding ends
- Smart and integrated ticketing
- Progress on bus priority infrastructure and match in kind
The goal for the taskforce is to achieve the outcomes listed in the previous section. In designing solutions, the taskforce will consider the implications and opportunities for integration with other modes of public transport, to enhance Scotland’s public transport network.
Recognising previous work to resolve issues, and the availability of alternative forums, some topics may be out of scope for the Taskforce in order to maintain focus on achievable solutions. Topics may be re-visited if further detail or evidence is presented.
Sub-groups
Three sub groups will be formed with the relevant stakeholders.
- Patronage growth
- Driver shortages
- Community engagement
Each subgroup will work on actions between meetings, and provide updates to the taskforce alongside updates from the regional steering groups. Transport Scotland will provide the secretariat functions for each subgroup, however responsibility for the group will sit with the agreed Chair. Chairs will be agreed for the first Taskforce meeting.
Format
Meetings will be scheduled for one hour, and will be held in person where possible.
The agenda for meetings will be as follows:
- Updates from sub groups and brief discussion
- Strategic topic
- Summary of agreements reached and actions to take forward
Roles and Responsibilities
The Minister for Transport’s office will contact attendees in advance to arrange a suitable date and location. The Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth MSP, will Chair the meetings, and Transport Scotland will provide secretariat functions. Minutes from all meetings will be circulated to the wider group.
Members will notify Transport Scotland in advance if they are unable to attend, and apologies will be given during the meeting. Delegates may attend if notified and agreed in advance.
Members will take any actions away to their subgroups, and provide updates before or during the next meeting.
Membership
Chair: Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth MSP
Secretariat: Transport Scotland
Transport Scotland representatives
Bettina Sizeland
Roisin Curran
Carole Stewart
Office of the Traffic Commissioner
Claire Gilmore
SME Bus Operator representatives
Confederation of Passenger Transport: Paul White
Community Transport Association: David Kelly
Large Bus Operators
First Bus: Duncan Cameron
Stagecoach: Fiona Doherty
Citylink: Simone Smith
McGills/Xplore: Ralph Roberts
West Coast Motors: Colin Craig
Lothian: Sarah Boyd
Bus Passenger representatives
Bus Users Scotland: Greig Mackay
Transport focus: Robert Samson
Local Government
ATCO: Nicola Gill & Margaret Roy
CoSLA: Catherine Damen
Representative from regional steering groups
SPT: Gordon Dickson
Rural RTP: Ranald Robertson