Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026 · Votes to 12 Nov 2026

Amendment · S7M-01881.3 · Session 7

Strengthening Scotland’s Bus Network

Defeated Lodged by Willie Rennie LD Lodged 4 Nov 2026 Debate 5 Nov 2026

Amendment to S7M-01881 Strengthening Scotland’s Bus Network

The amendment

As an amendment to motion S7M-01881 in the name of Stephen Flynn (Strengthening Scotland’s Bus Network), leave out from first “welcomes” to end and insert "believes in the importance of improving the availability, affordability and accessibility of bus services in Scotland; welcomes the opportunity to consider how this can be achieved through franchising and regulation; notes the Scottish Government’s commitment to introducing a £2 bus fare cap to all areas of Scotland; believes that any such measures should be carefully considered in order to recognise the existing provision and differing needs across Scotland, and that they must be part of a wider strategy for bus services that includes the delivery of integrated ticketing and continued network development; notes with concern that over 150 million fewer passenger journeys were made on local bus services in 2024-25 compared to the peak in 2007-08, the year in which the SNP entered government, and that annual local bus service vehicle kilometres have also fallen by over 100 million in the same period; recognises concerns regarding the sustainability of bus services in rural and remote areas and a lack of coherent integration of bus and rail services; believes that the reduction in the real-terms value of the Network Support Grant base rate has undermined the viability of bus services, particularly in rural and remote areas, and recognises the importance of community transport services in the delivery of public transport across Scotland and the challenges which the sector faces, including increased fuel and maintenance costs."

Vote

1 division
  1. 5 Nov 2026
    Defeated
    47 for, 69 against

Other amendments

4
  1. Defeated
    29 for, 89 against
  2. Carried
    84 for, 34 against
  3. Defeated
    31 for, 86 against
  4. Defeated
    24 for, 92 against

Supporters

No MSP has added their name to this amendment.

In the Official Report

3 contributions mention S7M-01881.3
  1. 5 Nov 2026
    Strengthening Scotland’s Bus Network
    Willie Rennie LD Meeting of the Parliament

    Not just now—I am getting into my flow.I am pleased about what the minister said about the panel. I think that he is right, and if I am honest, we made a mistake by backing the introduction of the panel. I am pleased that the minister has …

  2. 5 Nov 2026
    Decision Time
    Kenneth Gibson Meeting of the Parliament

    The next question is, that amendment S7M-01881.3, in the name of Willie Rennie, which seeks to amend motion S7M-01881, in the name of Stephen Flynn, on strengthening Scotland’s bus network, be agreed to. Are we agreed?Members: No.

  3. 5 Nov 2026
    Decision Time
    Kenneth Gibson Meeting of the Parliament

    The result of the division on amendment S7M-01881.3, in the name of Willie Rennie, is: For 47, Against 69, Abstentions 0.Amendment disagreed to.