MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Claire Baker is calling on the Scottish Government to clarify plans for school transport following the statement to Parliament on the Transport Transition Plan.

Following the statement from Transport Secretary Michael Matheson, Claire Baker asked if public transport standards, such as social distancing and the wearing of masks, would apply on school transport, also questioning whether local authorities will be funded to negotiate bus contracts.

She has also written to Cabinet Secretary for Education, John Swinney, on these matters.

Claire Baker said: “While the publication of information specific to transport is a welcome part of the move to lessened restrictions, it also raises a number of questions as to how this will work alongside plans to re-open schools. There are many matters for educational authorities to consider in preparing for schools re-opening, and issues around transport will need to be addressed as part of this.

“Many young people travel on contract school buses, it needs to be made clear whether measures such as social distancing and the wearing of masks will also apply and if so how this will work. Will local authorities be funded to renegotiate bus contracts? What arrangements will be made at bus stops to ensure distancing takes place?

“The Scottish Government needs to address these matters now so that pupils and their parents have confidence in the arrangements for travel to schools once they re-open in August.”