It's exciting: Lothian
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LOTHIAN Region's transport department has little to fear from privatisation if it can be proved to be efficient, Scottish Home Affairs Minister Michael Ancrum said after visiting Lothian's transport headquarters.
He said the Government's White Paper on the future of bus services presented an exciting challenge to give value for money.
Mr Ancrum said the Government was awaiting reaction from the public and interested organisations to the White Paper proposals.
All involved would be required to put out tenders for local authority subsidies. Mr Ancrum said the Government felt it essential that bus services should be tested in the market place. "What we are looking for is the best possible service at a reasonable cost to the consumer."
The deregulation of services — as it had done on National Express routes — could mean the growth of new services, probably with smaller vehicles running to and from particular housing areas.
We will have to look at the representations made to us before deciding on these matters," added the Minister. New legislation would be introduced as I soon as possible after the con' sultations were complete.