Economic growth was rightly front and centre when First Minister John Swinney set out his priorities after re-election. Investment, innovation and skills will all be vital to Scotland’s future prosperity. But there is another growth lever that receives far less attention than it deserves: our bus network.

At First Bus, we see every day how buses connect people to jobs, education, healthcare, retail and leisure. They are not simply a transport service; they are economic infrastructure.

Debate is now underway in Parliament on plans to extend the £2 fare cap, and I would encourage the government to work with operators across Scotland to ensure the policy is implemented in a way that supports effective and efficient bus networks across the country.

We support efforts to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of public transport and initiatives that aim to make bus travel more attractive to more people.

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Yet across Scotland’s cities, buses are increasingly being caught in the congestion they could help........

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