Graham Simpson MSP used a speech in the Scottish Parliament to examine the different models of bus franchising and how they could improve public transport services across Scotland.
He highlighted the urgent need for multimodal smart ticketing, allowing passengers to travel more easily across different operators and forms of public transport using an integrated ticketing system.
Graham reminded Parliament that the SNP had promised progress on integrated ticketing as far back as 2007 — almost two decades ago.
Rather than continuing to delay, Graham called on the Scottish Government to introduce a pilot scheme to demonstrate how integrated ticketing could work in practice.
His message was clear: Scotland needs a public transport system that is simpler, better connected and designed around the needs of passengers.
Graham also welcomed plans to remove barriers to bus franchising, while insisting that local authorities should be free to choose the model best suited to their communities.