West Scotland MSP Neil Bibby has revealed Labour’s three-point plan to save Scotland’s buses from “decimation” as new figures reveal bus passenger numbers have more than halved in recent years.

Annual Scottish transport statistics have shown bus passenger numbers struggling to recover from the pandemic and failing to make a dent in the long-term decline seen under the SNP.

Bus passenger numbers are still 35 per cent lower than pre-pandemic levels, and the number of buses in service has plummeted from 5,400 in 2007/08 to just 3,700 in 2021/22

Labour is warning that buses are “on the brink of collapse” and urged the SNP leadership candidates to back their 3-point plan.

The plan calls for no more blank checks for private operators, a cap on bus fares across Scotland, and bringing local buses under local control.

Mr Bibby, Scottish Labour’s transport spokesperson, said: “Bus networks across Scotland are on the brink of collapse, but the SNP are busy fighting among themselves. 

“If we don’t act now we will see communities lose bus services, passengers left with no options, and more cars on the road than ever.

"We can't go on like this. Private bus companies should not be able to hold communities and the government to ransom over bus service cuts. 

“Labour’s plan would lower fares, improve services, and ensure local buses are under local control.

“Every SNP leadership candidate should pledge to back these plans to end years of decline and prevent Scotland’s bus networks being decimated.”