McArthur highlights challenges for island public transport under existing regulations

Speaking at Net Zero, Energy and Transport portfolio questions today, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur highlighted the difficulties that community transport initiatives in Orkney face under the current regulatory system.

Mr McArthur made reference to the partnership between the Orkney Disability Forum and Orkney Islands Council to pilot a new bus service in South Ronaldsay, where previously no public transport service had existed.   

The small electric vehicle purchased for the service was eligible to operate under a section 19 permit but was unable to operate as a scheduled service within existing regulation due to its size. As a result, the project was ineligible for the Network Support Grant and passengers were initially unable to use concessionary cards.  

Ultimately, Orkney Disability Forum and the Council subcontracted the service to allow island residents to access the service under the concessionary scheme but it has served to highlight the problems faced by local groups in taking forward public transport projects that meet the specific needs of rural and island communities.

In response, the Connectivity Minister, Jim Fairlie acknowledged the problem and recognised it is one that has been felt more widely across rural parts of Scotland. He went on to point out that the regulations are set by the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland but agreed to work with Mr McArthur, and other MSPs, to see what progress might be made.

Speaking after the exchange this afternoon, Mr McArthur said: 

“Thankfully, a solution was found to allow the pilot to be taken forward in South Ronaldsay, but it’s clear that the current arrangements are acting as a disincentive for community groups looking to develop public transport solutions that meet their specific needs.

“I welcome the willingness of the Minister to work with me and other MSPs representing rural and island areas in engaging with the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland to find a more satisfactory resolution to the current regulatory challenges. Regulation is important in protecting the public and the use of public funds, but the South Ronaldsay example highlights why we need to avoid putting in place obstacles to projects that clearly serve a public need and meet our objectives for improving connectivity in rural and island communities.

“I look forward to working with the Minister and other MSP colleagues to see how we might persuade the Traffic Commissioner to ensure bus regulations reflect rural and island circumstances and do not undermine efforts to deliver lifeline services in communities like Orkney.”