A bill aimed at improving local bus services has been introduced by Labour MSP Charlie Gordon.

It follows complaints from members of the public and disabled people about bus services, particularly about access to buses. A public consultation on the bill will run from now until February 27.

"Buses are the most commonly used form of public transport in Scotland and provide a vital service. There has been a growth in bus patronage in six of the last seven years, reversing a longer-term decline," Gordon said.

"The last Labour-led Scottish Executive and local authorities spent more than £250 million on support for bus services in 2006/07. Despite this significant public investment, there is little regulation of how the bus industry used this money to improve services for travellers.

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"Under existing rules, councils only have powers to dictate timetables and fares in very limited circumstances, and the Traffic Commissioner who acts as the UK Government's bus watchdog tries to ensure that bus operators keep to registered and advertised timetables and operate safe and roadworthy vehicles," he added.

Under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 councils can use Statutory Quality Partnerships (SQPs) to require bus companies to provide particular services. However, Gordon notes that despite this being introduced seven years ago no SQP yet exists.

"It is clear that, in some parts of Scotland, market forces have failed to meet the public's aspirations for bus services and standards and therefore regulation is required – that is the purpose of the Regulation of Bus Services Bill, which has been formally lodged and on which public consultation has started," he added.

(GK/JM)