Transport Scotland discussions with local authorities regarding Transport Act: FOI release

Information requested

1. Has Transport Scotland been involved in any discussions or communications with Local Authorities in Scotland regarding use of the franchising, public ownership or Bus Service Improvement Partnership Schemes (BSIP’s) powers as a result of the Transport Act? If so, which Local Authorities have you discussed franchising, public ownership or BSIP’s with and was the Local Authority open to one particular scheme?

2. Has Transport Scotland been involved in any discussions or communications with Local Authorities in Scotland regarding funding for franchising, public ownership or BSIP’s of the bus network within local authority areas? If so, which Local Authorities and what offer was made? 

3. Has there been any discussions or communications between Transport Scotland and individual bus operators over the powers contained within the Transport Act relevant to the bus network, not including specific stakeholder engagement events and if so, what was the outcome of these discussions?