Glasgow now has the powers to set up a publicly-run bus service under Scottish Parliament legislation.

The powers under the Transport (Scotland) Act have now come into effect meaning local authorities can run their own bus services.

Councils were previously prohibited from setting up their own service under the Transport Act 1985. 

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Glasgow does not have any immediate plans to introduce a publicly-owned and managed bus service in the city.

Instead, it said it is committed to looking at the available alternatives to the current set-up.

Scottish transport minister Jenny Gilruth encouraged councils to use the powers available under the act.

She said: “When the Transport (Scotland) Act was developed, local authorities asked us for flexible options to revitalise local bus networks, including running their own bus services and I am pleased that they are now being empowered to do so."

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She added: “I recognise that not every local authority will want to run their own bus services – some may opt for a partnership or franchise approach. What’s key is that local authorities will soon have greater tools at their disposal to revitalise bus services where required.

“I would encourage all local transport authorities to consider using this power, and the full range of tools available to them under the act, to ensure that everyone has accessible public transport regardless of where they are in Scotland.”

Glasgow’s transport strategy states that a publicly-run bus network would need extra funding from the Scottish Government to make it feasible.

It says the council would explore available options, including “formation of a municipal bus company” and the “development of a bus franchising system".

A council spokesperson said: “As set out in our transport strategy, we are committed to exploring alternative options for bus governance in Glasgow in line with the options laid out in the legislation, and recently commissioned research on these options in partnership with SPT.

“Work is ongoing and we are committed to working with the Scottish Government as well as our partners and stakeholders to achieve a world-class public transport system in Glasgow”.