Steps taken towards bringing bus services into public control
I am writing to make a freedom of information request under freedom of information law.
The Transport (Scotland) Act provides local authorities with powers to run their own bus services. This was previously prohibited.
Since the powers were commenced in 2022, please can the council provide details of any steps taken by the council towards taking bus services into public control. This should include any correspondence between officials, officials plans within the council, or scoping exercises that have taken place.
If there have been no steps towards taking bus services into public ownership please can you confirm this.
I would like this information sent as electronic copies.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
The Ferret Media Ltd
Thank you for your email sent 27 July 2023 and I acknowledge receipt of your request for information.
You will receive a response from the Council as quickly as possible, but within 20 working days.
If you do not receive a response by 24 August 2023, please contact me.
Regards, M Robertson
Marie Robertson
Committee Assistant
Shetland Islands Council
Governance & Law
Corporate Services Department
8 North Ness Business Park
Lerwick | Shetland |01595 744553
Hi
I refer to your request dated 27 July, in which you asked for the information detailed in your email below.
I can advise you that the Council is able to respond to your request in full, and all the information you have sought is as follows;
As an Island Authority, Shetland Islands Council has been able to provide public bus services prior to the amended act coming into place.
Due to this, the Council holds an Operator's Licence and has an appropriately trained Transport Manager in place.
No further steps have been taken towards the Council directly operating routes and all public bus services in Shetland remain fully subsidised and contracted to local bus operators.
I trust this meets the terms of your request. However, if you are dissatisfied with the way in which the Council has dealt with your request for information on this occasion, then you may ask the authority to review its actions and decisions in relation to your request, by submitting a formal appeal to the Executive Manager - Governance and Law. A leaflet explaining this process is attached.
Kind Regards
Cherelynn
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