Fractured and inconsistent bus services with not enough new build means bus services cannot be left exclusively to the private market, said the STUC backing a motion from Unite.

John Nisbet

And UNISON's John Nisbet also raised the impact on disabled people, raising concern the Labour MSP Charlie Gordon's Bill which would have addressed many of these issues, was not supported by the other parties.

"The Bill also included a small but important section that would have extended free bus travel to people on the lower end of Disability Living Allowance, as well as allowing community transport to accept free bus passes", said John.

Integrated public transport has always been at the forefront on UNISON policy and campaigning priorities. The current focus of our public transport campaign is part of UNISON's overall nationwide PUBLIC WORKS campaign.

As part of this campaign the UNISON Transport Charter sets out our main aims, including:

· increased investment

· better concessionary fare schemes for senior citizens, the disabled, students and job seekers

· greater powers for local transport authorities to enforce service standards

· protection for employees' terms and conditions

· partnerships between transport authorities, operators, passengers, trade unions and community representatives

"There is no bigger barrier for disabled people than the design of, and access to public transport. Although Charlie's bill was a small step for disabled people, it was nevertheless, an important one", added John.

"Not all disabled people can afford the motability scheme. That is why good and accessible public transport is a lifeline for many of them If the Scottish Parliament and more particularly the Scottish Government really believe in integrating disabled people into society, then they need to do more to persuade us they are serious about it", urged John.