Bus service cutbacks considered

The council says it may have to cut services next year

Bus services in the Scottish Borders could be cut by April next year.

Rising fuel costs have forced up the subsidy payments made to operators this year and there is now a shortfall in Scottish Borders Council's budget.

Leader David Parker claimed that while authorities in England and Wales had received funding to tackle the issue that had not happened in Scotland.

A Scottish Government spokesman said it already provided "considerable" support for bus services.

Mr Parker said SBC was examining how it could make savings across all areas.

"One of the biggest costs we have is relating to public transport," he said.

We have got to look at whether that is value for money and whether we can afford to continue running services on that basis David Parker SBC leader

"We are seeing huge fuel increases, huge rises in the cost of bus operation.

"We are having to look very carefully at the bus network to see what we can do and where we can make savings."

The council leader said an announcement was likely next year on what routes might be affected.

"We do have services in the Borders where it is actually cheaper to get a taxi to take someone to a particular destination than it actually is to get the bus.

"The subsidy cost per passenger is much higher than a taxi fare.

"We have got to look at whether that is value for money and whether we can afford to continue running services on that basis."

Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP John Lamont called on the Scottish Government to help tackle the situation.

"Many people rely on these services, particularly in rural areas where there is no alternative means of transport," he said.

"These services are often a lifeline for the elderly and the vulnerable when they have no other available transport."

'Important services'

A Scottish Government spokesman said its support for bus services across the country amounted to £280m-a-year.

"This substantial investment is intended to help the industry drive down fare costs, encourage more routes and enable more older and disabled people to use these important services," he said.

"This government spends 20% more per head on bus services that is spent in England."

He added that the Scottish Government was continuing to press Westminster for a fuel duty regulator to protect bus companies from steep price rises.