West of Scotland MSP Katy Clark has demanded a cap on bus fares and action to prevent cuts in services across the area.

The Scottish Labour MSP has warned buses are at risk of being “wiped out” if action is not taken to keep fares down and prevent routes being cut.

Research shows that in 2021, nearly half of all respondents in Strathclyde Partnership for Transport areas did not agree bus fares were good value for money.

Many passengers have seen prices soar in recent years, with operators forced to cut lifeline routes since the pandemic.

The number of passenger journeys being taken in the South West and Strathclyde regions is still 35 per cent lower than pre-pandemic levels.

Katy Clark, who is a longstanding campaigner for buses being nationalised, claims the industry in Scotland is “on the brink of collapse”.

She said: “Bus networks in the West of Scotland are on the brink of collapse, but the Scottish Government is missing in action.

“Without urgent action, communities face being cut off, with local people left with no public transport options, and more cars on the road than ever.

“Scottish Labour is calling for fares to be capped and for strict conditions to be placed on public funds provided to private bus companies.

“This will maintain services and provide the necessary commercial information to bring buses back under public control.

“We need to act now to end years of decline and prevent the West of Scotland’s bus networks being decimated.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.