A wheelchair-using MSP has called for free bus passes issued to disabled Scots to be expanded to include night time services.
Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill has challenged the "harmful societal idea that disabled people don’t go out after dark" and said buses were often the only form of accessible public transport available to them.
The new Green MSP, who was elected in May, has previously raised the issue of night busses not being included on passes with City of Edinburgh Council.
A 'small change' with substantial benefits
Kinross-O'Neill insisted that including night services would only require a "small change" but could offer substantial benefits.
She said: "This is a small change that the Scottish Government could easily make that would have a positive impact for disabled people across the country.
"For many disabled people, buses are the only form of accessible transport. There is a harmful societal idea that disabled people don’t go out after dark – this is simply not true.
"Night services are a lifeline for those who work late shifts, may have to travel for hospital appointments, or just need to get home after dark.
"Disabled people should be supported to travel at any time, not just during the day. They should not be locked out of using night buses just because they have been designated a ‘premium service’.
"I fought to change this policy on Edinburgh City Council but sadly there was a significant amount of pushback. I’m now calling on the Scottish Government to make this simple change as soon as possible."
Context of recent bus fare changes
It comes after the SNP Government recently introduced a £2 cap on bus fares across Glasgow and the west of Scotland, following a successful trial in the Highlands. John Swinney has pledged the scheme will be rolled-out nationally before 2031.
The First Minister has also pledged to take all bus services across Scotland back under "public control" in the same period - although he has stopped short of calling for full nationalisation.
The Record has asked Transport Scotland for comment.
