Seòmar agus comataidhean

The Scottish Government continues to engage with the European Commission on Pentland Ferries’ complaints about the tendering of the Northern Isles Ferry Services and proposals for introducing Road Equivalent Tariff and involving commercial operators. At this stage, it is not possible to provide a precise date when these complaints will be concluded.

On the preferred bidder for the public service contract and reduced fares, I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-25428 on 20 September 2019. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

The next version of the Vessel Replacement and Deployment Plan is currently being drafted following consultation with key stakeholders and will be published in Autumn 2019.

There has been no change to the crew accommodation facilities on the (a) Glen Sannox and (b) vessel 802; these remain in line with specification requirements.

The Scottish Government has received 31 applications for project funding from the South of Scotland Economic Partnership since it was established.

I refer the member to the answer in my statement, ‘Creating a sustainable future for crofting’, of 10 September which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/ormain.aspx .

Transport Scotland is working with stakeholders to consider an extension to discounts available on public transport to those under the age of 26. This review will incorporate an appraisal of options and a cost- benefit analysis, as any changes to concessionary travel schemes must fully consider financial sustainability.

The scope of the review includes the following:

• consideration of options to extend discounts on public transport to those under the age of 26, including free bus travel;
• an appraisal which considers the costs and benefits of the options.
• exploring more broadly how all areas of transport, including travel concession schemes, can best support the delivery of the child poverty reduction targets.

The first phase of this work is to develop a robust evidence base informing the review including areas of further research which will help determine the benefits. We will report on progress as part of the annual Child Poverty Action Plan progress reports with the next due in spring 2020.

We are currently working with stakeholders with a view to introducing a time-limited local pilot of free bus travel for modern apprentices later this financial year, following which we will decide whether or not to extend the scheme nationally.

We aim to extend the scheme to provide free bus travel to those accompanying eligible disabled children under age five during the coming financial year, 2020-21.

We are currently awaiting State Aid approval for a new capital fund for green buses developed in consultation with the bus industry. It remains our intention to launch the fund this financial year.

The Bus Emissions Abatement Retrofit Programme will continue in 2019-20. This third round of retrofit funding is offering £8.857 million for the bus and coach industry.

The £500 million will be invested in improved bus priority infrastructure to tackle the negative impacts of congestion on bus services.