Ayrshire MSP reckons transport investment is good news for region's towns and environment

Towns in Ayrshire will benefit from a £3.4 billion Scottish Government investment in national transport, says an MSP.

Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown reckons the money announced in the Scottish Government’s draft budget last week will help increase sustainable travel across the region.

The investment in the 2022/23 draft budget dedicates £314 million to support concessionary bus travel scheme which older people and disabled people are already benefiting from.

And £110m is being earmarked specifically for expanding the scheme to those under the age of 22 across Scotland.

Also part of the package of measures is a record £150m to support high-quality active travel for people walking, wheeling and cycling, as well as £35m in the next year to support Scotland’s zero emission bus challenge fund.

A total of £112m will go towards supporting a range of sustainable low and zero carbon transport initiatives.

People will also benefit from an improved and decarbonised rail network which will be supported by almost £1.4bn.

Ms Brown said: “The SNP Scottish Government is prioritising investing in a practical transport system that goes hand in hand with our responsibility to end our contribution to climate change and meets the needs of people in Ayr, Prestwick, and Troon.

“We have set ourselves world-leading, ambitious targets to tackle the climate emergency and I am delighted that last week’s budget showed the SNP providing the investment needed to allow us to meet them – and take the bold but transitional steps we need to take to create a better and greener transport network for us all.

“So many people across my constituency are already benefiting from free concessionary bus travel and expanding the scheme to young people under 22 years old will help establish positive sustainable travel habits in our younger generations.

“If we want more people choosing public or active travel options then we need to make it an easy, attractive choice.

“We are asking people to make significant shifts in their usual way of getting about so the almost £1.4bn in 2022/23 for Scotland’s rail network and record investment for walking, wheeling and cycling of £150m next year is incredibly welcome.”

She added: “This budget shows the SNP’s commitment to creating the largest transport investment programme that Scotland has ever seen.”

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