Group welcomes bus push support

THE Labour Group on Dumfries and Galloway Council has welcomed the support for its motion demanding urgent action to address the region’s worsening bus crisis. It passed unanimously at last week’s full council meeting following weeks of turmoil after Stagecoach announced its decision to withdraw entirely from commercial bus services in Dumfries and Galloway. Labour Group leader Councillor Carolyne Wilson, above, said: “Stagecoach’s exit from the region has exposed the frailty in our bus network. “We now have towns and villages worried about their regular services—elderly residents are concerned they will miss appointments, workers are worried they will be unable to get to shifts, and young people fear being isolated from opportunities. We also have 130 Stagecoach workers worried about their jobs. “However, it shouldn’t have been that way. In 2021, the council agreed to develop plans for a council run bus service, but have failed to do so. “That’s why Labour brought forward this motion—to demand action. If the private sector can’t or won’t provide the lifeline services we need, then the council must be ready to act—and that includes taking control of services ourselves if necessary.” The motion called for the council to: Write to the Scottish Government to demand urgent investment in rural transport. Review current provision to identify critical gaps in service. Engage with communities across the region to shape local bus solutions. Explore using Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 powers to create council-owned or publicly run bus services. Councillor Wilson added, “Labour’s motion was about recognising that public transport is a public service—and should be run in the public interest. For too long, decisions have been left to big private operators like Stagecoach, and our communities have paid the price. "Our motion sets a clear direction. We’ll work with the public, push for Scottish Government support, and explore every option—including public ownership—to get this region moving again.”