To help mark this year’s Scottish Bus Week (22-28 May), Martin Whitfield MSP has visited local operator Prentice of Haddington and declared his support for the campaign and the vital role of local bus services.

The South Scotland MSP was joined by East Lothian Council’s Provost and Transport Spokesperson, Cllr John McMillan, who is a long-term supporter of bus services and their contribution to the local economy.

They met with Ross Prentice, Managing Director of Prentice Coaches, at the company’s base on Hospital Road in Haddington to discuss the importance of the week and encouraging more people to consider using the bus rather than the car for getting around.

Co-ordinated by the #lovemybus programme, Scottish Bus week aims to promote the part buses can play as a solution for tackling many of the challenges we face: improving our health, reducing pressure on the NHS, tackling inequalities and climate change, creating green jobs and strengthening our economy.

Speaking after the visit, Martin Whitfield MSP said: 

“Scottish Bus Week is a chance to celebrate and promote the role buses and coaches can play in helping tackle some of the biggest challenges we face today. The #lovemybus message aims to increase awareness, understanding and celebrate all the benefits of bus services for everyone!

“Each of us, in supporting buses, can be part of a national effort towards a safer, fairer, healthier, greener society and a stronger and more sustainable economy. For those who have not chosen to use buses for regular journeys before, this is the perfect time to plan to choose your local bus services, provided by great operators like Prentice of Haddington.”

Cllr John McMillan said:

“Buses are crucial to our local economy, environment and health. East Lothian has one of the best local bus networks in Scotland, with brilliant local operators like Prentice who always put their customers first. That’s why this Scottish Bus Week I’m encouraging local people to make a positive choice and use their local bus services.”

Ross Prentice said:

“Scottish Bus Week is a great opportunity to put the spotlight on all the benefits buses and coaches have to offer. Our sector has been through a tough few years, but we’re working hard to bounce back and offer the best possible service for passengers. I was pleased to welcome Martin and John to help mark the week and encourage more local people to choose the bus.”

Find out more about the week and how to get involved at https://lovemybus.scot.