STEPHEN Flynn has been urged to bring buses in Scotland back into public ownership.
The Scottish Greens wrote to the new Transport Secretary to introduce a nationalised service and said the private model was failing Scots.
The party has signalled during the election that universal free bus travel under public control would be its biggest ask in budget negotiations.
Mark Ruskell, the Scottish Greens transport spokesperson, said the current system has resulted in higher fares and fewer routes.
He said: “For too long, Scotland’s bus services have not served the communities they operate in.
“Fares are too high, and there has been a significant decline in the number of bus routes, leaving many communities feeling cut off, or having to rely heavily on cars to get around.
“Commuters across the country deserve reliable and affordable services in a range of climate-friendly transport options, and with proper investment from the Scottish Government for bus franchising that is an achievable aim.”
Ruskell urged the Government said measures such as scrapping peak rail fares and introducing free bus travel for under-22s had improved transport in Scotland.
“We want to build on that,” he said, “and are ready to discuss the measures that we know will boost our public transport provisions across the country.
“By bringing buses back under public ownership, Stephen Flynn has the opportunity to bring forward our Green proposals and make Scotland a world leader when it comes to public transport.”
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said: “The Scottish Government recognises that bus services are vital in not only providing people with access to the services and facilities that they need, but in tackling the climate emergency.
“Through legislation we have given local transport authorities powers on partnership working, franchising, and to run their own bus services.
“Our approach enables local transport authorities to determine what is best to address any transport challenges in their local areas.
“It is for them to determine what, if any, of these powers they want to use."
Transport Scotland said it encourages all local transport authorities to consider the full range of tools available to them, to "ensure that everyone has accessible public transport regardless of where they are in Scotland".
The spokesperson added: “Over two million children, young people, disabled and older people in Scotland are now benefiting from free bus travel, making over three million journeys every week.
“Decisions on local bus services, routes, frequencies and vehicle types are for operators to make, but any changes must be consistent with the processes enforced by the Traffic Commissioner.
“Local authorities also have a duty (Transport Act 1985) to identify where there is a social need for particular bus services and can subsidise these at their discretion.”
