The Scottish government is extending its Covid-19 Support Grant for bus operators into the new financial year to cover operations from 1 April until 27 June with up to £61.4million in additional funding.
This is to maintain National Concessionary Travel Scheme reimbursement and Bus Service Operators Grant payments at levels forecast before the pandemic and to cover the gap between costs and the anticipated loss of fare-paying passenger revenue caused by physical distancing and reduced carrying capacity.
When introduced for a three-month period from April last year, the grant terms required operators to continue to deliver 25 to 35% of service levels for the period of the scheme to maintain core services (unless otherwise agreed with Transport Scotland) and continue engaging with local authorities and health boards to determine what services should be operated, when and on which routes.
Where to send your reports ››››
Scottish reports should be sent, please, to: Sandy Macdonald, 12 Morton Gardens, Maxwell Park, Glasgow, G41 4AF.
Email scottishcolumn@gmail.com to reach him by 14 May for the July issue.
AAA Coaches, Kirknewton
VDL Futura FHD2-129.365 JR15 AAA left the fleet in March last year.
Aaron’s Coaches, Wick
