Scottish Government funding to the bus industry during the COVID-19 pandemic: FOI release

Information requested

What has been the total sum given by the Scottish Government to the bus industry in 2020, from 1st January to the time of writing (26th October)?

If this is not possible to provide, please could you share the total amounts given out through the Concessionary Fare Scheme, the Bus Service Operators Grant, the COVID-19 Support Grant, and the COVID-19 Support Grant - Restart in 2020, from 1st January to 26th October?

Response

I can advise, as at the 31 October, the Scottish Government has provided £318.3 million of funding, to the bus industry during the COVID-19 period.

The total amounts paid between 1 January and 31 October, in relation to the schemes/grants you have referenced are:

National Concessionary Travel Scheme*	£192,655,176.34
Bus Service Operators Grant*	£39,918,536.49
COVID-19 Support Grant	Incorporated in amounts above
COVID-19 Support Grant-Restart	£78,626,343.33

* comprised of both scheme payments and COVID-19 support grant payments

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