To ask the Scottish Executive whether bus transport operators have been given any incentives through the Executive’s current service support mechanism to operate a wider range of vehicle types to handle variable passenger loads.

The Scottish Executive is working closely with key stakeholders to implement Moving into the Future – an Action Plan for Buses to benefit passengers and further improve the experience of using bus services. As part of this implementation the Scottish Executive is reviewing government funding to ensure it is directed at improving the quality and reliability of services.

However, the provision of local bus services is a matter for bus operators and local transport authorities working together to meet the needs of local communities and to determine the vehicle types used to provide these services.