Thursday August 21st 2025
Lothian bus service
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Scottish Labour has warned that communities are at risk of being “cut off” as the number of bus routes in Scotland collapses.
Analysis by Scottish Labour has revealed that the number of bus routes in Scotland plummeted by 44 per cent between 2006/07 and 2023/24 – a loss of more than 1,400 routes.
In the last year alone, the number of live registered routes dropped by 10 per cent, with 190 routes being cut.
Scottish Labour has previously criticised the SNP for scrapping key bus funds in its 2025-26 budget, and seemingly dropping its previous pledge to invest £500 million in bus infrastructure.
Commenting, Kirsty McNeill, MP for Midlothian, said: “Midlothian is the fastest growing local authority in Scotland because it’s a brilliant place to raise a family, but funding from the SNP government hasn’t kept pace. This is despite the fact that our Labour Government delivered the largest funding settlement for Scotland in the history of devolution – nearly £5 billion extra for the SNP government to spend on much needed investment in Scottish communities.
“I continue to hear from folk right across Midlothian that cuts to our public transport are having a real impact on their ability to get to work, school, healthcare appointments and stay connected with loved ones.
“After years of inaction and broken promises, we need a real plan to invest in our communities and improve our public transport.”
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