A report on the tenders for school and local bus services was presented to the Environment, Enterprise & Transportation Committee today.

Members agreed to award the bus contracts, predominantly in south Fife, for all school and subsidised local bus services whilst undertaking a detailed policy and budget review of school and bus services to be completed by October 2011.

Dr Bob McLellan, head of Transportation Services said: “This has been a particularly difficult decision for the Committee in the current economic climate during massive budget constraints in that to deliver the same level of provision throughout Fife would see a 74% increase in expenditure over the next five years. This is not sustainable and it is necessary that we investigate what action can be taken to mitigate the shortfall in budgets.”


He added: “A significant 35% increase in the tender prices for school and subsidised bus services received are as a direct result of rising fuel costs and also the reductions in levels of support to bus operators across Scotland.

“In light of these increases, we will be undertaking a review of school and local bus services in full consultation with the public on the costs and benefits of these services to be completed by October 2011.”

(GK/KMcA)