A public bus service operated by West Dunbartonshire Council could benefit its residents – provided a feasibility study is successful.
Proposals for an operation like Lothian Buses, the largest municipal bus company in the UK, could be replicated across the local authority area.
The council is currently part of a ‘city region transportation group’ which is looking at the possibility of a public owned service in various regions.
The issue was discussed at a meeting of the infrastructure, regeneration and economic development group last week.
Labour councillor Gail Casey said: “In the previous administration I had asked the director if it was possible to look at a Lothian Buses-type project in West Dunbartonshire.
“At the time he said we would need to put it on the back burner because financially we didn’t have the money to do that kind of survey.
“I would just like to know if in the future we would be looking at having something along those lines?”
Councillor Casey was informed that the potential development was being considered as a group. Gail MacFarlane, strategic lead of roads and neighbourhood, said: “In relation to the municipal bus company, we sit on a city region transportation group and that looks at this area. That’s an action by that group and we are looking into that.”
Councillor Casey responded: “What you are saying is that local authorities are looking into having a public bus service operated by local government?”
Ms McFarlane said: “They are looking at the feasibility for that.”
An update will be brought before future committee meetings.
