MSP welcomes new fund to support Caithness bus services

North MSP Maree Todd has welcomed the announcement of a new grant to support local bus services while passenger numbers recover from the Covid pandemic.

The Scottish Government has committed £93.5 million of the 2022-23 Budget to support bus operators, due to the changed travel patterns during pandemic restrictions.

Mrs Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: “As passenger numbers recover across Caithness, Sutherland and Ross due to the easing of restrictions, I’m delighted to see the Scottish Government offering significant support for Scotland’s bus services.

“Committing nearly £94 million for 2022-23 offers financial certainty for companies and for passengers and ensures our communities can remain connected by vital local bus links.

“Our travel options play a crucial part in Scotland’s transition to Net Zero – and this grant is an important step in protecting sustainable travel, cutting car kilometres and supporting connected communities across Scotland.”

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