Paul Sweeney has pressed the Scottish Government to move faster on regional bus franchising and to attach stronger employment and supply-chain conditions to public investment.
His amendment called for fare revenue to be retained and reinvested in services, integrated ticketing across transport modes and procurement rules that reward domestic jobs and apprenticeships.
Patient capital for zero-emission buses
Sweeney also proposed a patient-capital leasing model to help operators adopt zero-emission buses without carrying the full upfront cost.
The amendment was defeated by 86 votes to 31. A separate Green-amended motion was approved by 84 votes to 33, calling for legislation by spring 2027 and a timetable for a national £2 fare cap.
Sweeney: a quicker transfer of control
Sweeney welcomed plans to remove the panel stage from the franchising process but argued that passengers need a quicker and more ambitious transfer of control from operators to regional authorities.
The Glasgow regional MSP is Scottish Labour's shadow minister for business, fair work and veterans. The proposals remain parliamentary demands rather than agreed Scottish Government policy.
