East Kilbride's MSP, Collette Stevenson has welcomed over £3.4bn investment for transport announced in the Scottish Government’s recent draft budget.
The MSP says this will increase sustainable travel in East Kilbride and across South Lanarkshire.
Investment in the 2022/23 draft budget ring-fences £314m to support the concessionary bus travel scheme which supports older people and disabled people.
Over and above that, an additional £110 million has been earmarked specifically for expanding the scheme to under 22s in East Kilbride and across Scotland.
It also invests £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 and £112m to support a range of sustainable low and zero carbon transport initiatives.
People in East Kilbride will also benefit from an improved and decarbonised rail network, with improvements on the line due to be completed by December 2024.
However, plans to dual the rail line between East Kilbride and Busby have been ditched - with Ms Stevenson calling on the government to reverse this decision at a debate in Parliament this month.
MS Stevenson said: “The Scottish Government is investing in our future with 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 East Kilbride.
“So many people across our town already benefit 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 across East Kilbride choosing public or active travel options then we need to make it an easy, attractive choice. I know there are some transport issues in East Kilbride, and I am happy to hear from residents as to how and where they want improvements made."
The MSP also backed £4bn of investment in Scotland’s social security system as part of the draft budget.
It includes £197m for the Scottish Child Payment – which is set to be doubled to £20 per child per week at the start of April next year.
Children across East Kilbride will also be supported with £17.8m into the Best Start Grant and £13.1m investment in Best Start Foods.
She added: "The decision to double the Scottish Child Payment at the start of April, earlier than planned will benefit thousands of families across East Kilbride.
"Alongside this, the Scottish Government is doing what it can to ensure children have the best start in life with payments like Best Start Foods and the Best Start Grant."
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