Red Republic

Scottish Socialist Party

The Scottish Socialists hit the Glenrothes campaign trail at the weekend, greeting passengers at Markinch Station with the offer of free public transport. Prospective candidate, Morag Balfour also took time to assess access at the station for disabled travellers.

“Free public transport is an unashamedly socialist response to the problems of increased carbon emissions,” explained Ms Balfour. “The reduction in transport emissions we can expect from this policy would make our environment more sustainable. It would also help reduce levels of asthma and other respiratory diseases that blight the lives of thousands and cost the NHS millions of pounds every year.”

The chaos on Scotland’s roads would also be alleviated by the policy’s implementation, said Ms Balfour.

“Scottish businesses are seriously impacted by the working hours lost to traffic congestion. Free public transport could save businesses in Scotland up to £1,000 million every year. Workers forced to waste hours in traffic jams, when they would rather be with their families, or engaging in leisure activities would also benefit from a properly integrated and free public transport system. Not to mention the extra £40 to £100 they wouldn’t need to fork out each month.”

The SSP candidate further claimed that low income families – who rely most on public transport – would be the principle beneficiaries.

“An anti-poverty, pro-social inclusion policy like free public transport takes the burden of funding away from those who can ill-afford it, yet need it so much and enables that expenditure to be shared amongst those who can. It’s not rocket science, just common sense!”

With regard to the new facilities at Markinch, Ms Balfour took the opportunity to offer her praise.

“A purpose-built project like this one shows what can be done when people in power take the time to think creatively not just about function, but about outward appearance. Markinch Station shows what can be done, but we have a long way to go to make the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act a living reality in Scotland.”

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