Whitelaws highlights industry challenges to MSP

Central Scotland MSP and Shadow Minister for Transport, Graham Simpson, has visited Whitelaws to hear about the challenges facing the industry.

He met with Whitelaw’s Managing Director, Sandra Whitelaw, at its depot in Stonehouse.

Mr Simpson heard about the important role Whitelaws plays in the local community, often transporting nearly 1,000 children to schools across the region every day while running a seven-day service which operates from 5am to midnight. Also discussed were the challenges facing local bus operators in general, with Whitelaws seeing a 49% increase in fuel prices and 64% in utilities.

Mr Simpson was particularly pleased to hear that they still accept cash payments on buses and calculate ticket prices by distance, which remains popular with older residents.

“I look forward to working closely with Whitelaws and bus operators across Scotland to ensure they get a fair deal and essential funding” – MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson

MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, said: “It was good to meet with Sandra from Whitelaw buses to learn more about their operations and the challenges facing the industry.

“Local bus operators are crucial to Scottish communities in urban and rural areas but are often overlooked by the Scottish Government.

“As we face a cost of living and climate crisis, groups like Whitelaws will need additional support from Ministers to help decarbonise their fleet and sustain struggling routes.

“I look forward to working closely with Whitelaws and bus operators across Scotland to ensure they get a fair deal and essential funding.”

Family-owned Whitelaws has been in business since 1973 and is a bus and coach operator employing 56 members of staff.

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