Wednesday 1 February 2012

National Decisions - Local Impact

Fare increase to £1.40 single, £3.40 day ticket
Very disappointing to start the first post of the month on a negative note but as reported today by the Evening News Lothian Buses are about to increase their fares due to a drop in passenger numbers and a "multi million pound reduction" in their grant from the Scottish Government. Hadn't realised until I read the story that this has also led to the withdrawal of the 48 bus which serves Ratho. It will be replaced by an amended 12 service but with a reduced frequency. Not good news and it just shows how decisions made in splendid isolation at a national level can have a very real impact on people at a local level. Transport Minister Keith Brown is quoted as saying changes to the Bus Services Operators Grant would encourage fuel economy and secure rural services. Is that right Keith ? I thought Ratho was a rural community and yet their service will reduce and be more expensive. I don't get it....

2 comments:

Edinburgh Flats said...

Nicely put. Something which not many people are intelligently talking aboout.

Ricky H said...

Thanks, the fate of the 48 bus is a constant topic of conversation in Ratho but you're right in that not many people look behind the decisions that can have such a major impact on their lives.