Ministerial Foreword

Bus services are an economic and social cornerstone for Scotland. The sector accounts for three quarters of all public transport journeys and makes significant contributions to the First Minister’s priorities of eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, and improving Scotland’s public services.

As we transition from private vehicles towards more sustainable public transport – the role of bus will be at the forefront in meeting our commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2045.

We have delivered all the legislation required under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 to equip local transport authorities with the tools available to them, including franchising, partnership working, and running their own services, in addition to their existing ability to subsidies services – to improve service provision to reflect local needs.

I want all local transport authorities to be considering and using these powers to improve all bus services within their areas. I’m pleased to see that some local and regional authorities have already began exploring the various options available to them and developing their proposals, including franchising.

Franchising is an established model and a valuable tool for providing or improving local bus services. However, it also has a significant intervention in the local bus market with potential to have serious implications within the franchising area, as well as neighbouring authorities.

For local transport authorities seeking to use the franchising powers - this document sets out the legal obligations as well as best practice that authorities in Scotland should follow when setting up a franchise to deliver their ambitions for their local bus network.

I am grateful to everyone who has collaborated with officials and contributed to this document. Supporting the resurgence of a vibrant bus network with fast, frequent, and reliable local bus services will be a key component in growing our economy, and a key way to help achieve our climate change targets.

Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity