The Stirling Observer has been running a series of statements from General Election candidates on set topics. Here’s what Chris Kane had to say on RURAL TRANSPORT:
“As your MP I’ll work hard to ensure public transport works for the many, not the few. Cash strapped Local Authorities are left to try to address the issues raised by social and economic isolation with supported/subsidised services and DRT (Direct Response Transport), but this is far from ideal. We can learn a lot from Edinburgh’s Lothian Buses, which is recognised as the model of good practice throughout Europe. In Stirling Labour’s “Local Government” manifesto are commitments to a municipal bus company; I’ll help deliver on this promise from Westminster. Labour will reregulate the busses to ensure that commercial operators cannot cherry pick the routes that make the most money. Labour would extend public ownership to the railways; profits from Scotland’s trains should be put back into improving the service, not flowing into the pockets of shareholders. Sometimes the solution to a transport problem is to take away the need to make a journey in the first place. Stirling is embracing the digital economy as part of the City Region Deal. We need to ensure Stirling’s workers are swept along by the digital revolution, not swept aside by it. I want all our kids to be able, if they choose, to enjoy life in our remarkable environment while working remotely for games companies in San Francisco or IT companies in Melbourne. We need to encourage all employers to welcome flexible working from home; it would help parents juggle childcare and it would ensure a decent work/life balance. Transport solutions extend beyond public transport. We need to do more to make cycling safer and more appealing. We need to ensure paths within communities are of a standard to encourage walking. We need to invest in our roads and in making cars safer and cleaner. As your MP I’ll do everything I can to help deliver ambitious and common senses solutions to many of our rural transport issues.”
Read more in Scottish Labour’s manifesto here.