MSPs vote to pass the Social Security Bill unanimously
MSPs also vote to set the minimum unit price of alcohol at 50p
Scroll down this page for extensive coverage on a historic day at Holyrood
Image source, bbcCommittee convener Edward Mountain says the budget for concessionary travel has gone up each year but is not fully used.
Robert Samson of Transport Focus says there needs to be an improvement in fares and ticketing on the buses and calls for this to be simplified.
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Robert Samson from Transport Focus says congestion on Glasgow is a barrier to bus use.
He suggests there is a link between value for money and traffic.
Robert Samson from Transport Focus
Green MSP John Finnie asks about rising fares.
Bus Users Scotland's Gavin Booth says fares vary considerably across Scotland.
Bus companies point to rising vehicle costs to excuse fare increases he says, but argues fares could be simplified.
Cuts to reimbursements on certain routes have also led to fare rises being necessary, Mr Booth adds.
Image source, bbcBus passenger numbers in Scotland have fallen by 10% over the last five years, new figures show.
Official statistics from Transport Scotland show the bus being the only mode of transport to have experienced a drop in usage since 2011-12.
Over the last five years, car traffic rose by 5% and bikes by 15%. Rail, air and ferry passengers also increased.
The Scottish government said it was spending more than £250m a year on supporting usage of buses.
Hussein Patwa from the Mobility and Access Committee
Hussein Patwa, also from the Mobility and Access Committee, agrees bus stops and stations are often very inaccessible places.
There is a lack of person-to-person contact which disabled people often rely on, he says.
Ms Fletcher says the social aspect of bus travel is really important, adding that older people often meet their friends at bus stops.
Bus travel is not a means to an end, she suggests.
She admits she has struggled to use buses in Strathclyde because of a lack of information on routes.
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Sheila Fletcher from the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland says the local authority budget for bus services has completely collapsed.
Ms Fletcher says they are registering school buses with steps which causes real problems to those with a disability.
Image source, bbcSheila Fletcher from the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland
She says the times of buses also causes problems and the integration of bus services seems to have been lost.
The biggest issue is being able to get back home again and there is also an issue with people not having access to digital information, Ms Fletcher concludes.
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SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson
SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson wonders why the same factors have not impacted train passenger numbers.
He also suggests a lack of clarity on bus prices and having to have the right change is "almost a no entry sign" for new users.
Mr Booth agrees there are barriers to bus use which must be broken down, including fares.
He says he has been trying to persuade bus companies to publicise this better.
Image source, bbcGavin Booth from Bus Users Scotland
Gavin Booth from Bus Users Scotland says the decline in bus usage is not just a Scottish phenomenon, it is UK wide.
Mr Booth says online shopping has led to a reduction in numbers.
Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles asks how bus use can be increased.
Mr Booth says partnership working is the way forward.
Robert Samson Transport Focus says one of the issues has been that buses are not running at the times that suit passengers for going to work or going out on the town.
Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee convener Edward Mountain introduces:
Image source, bbcThe Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, external will begin shortly.
MSPs begin by taking evidence on transport issues from passenger representatives, including members of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland and Bus Users Scotland.
The committee will then continue its inquiry into salmon fishing in Scotland.
Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on 24 April 2018.
The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee takes evidence on transport issues from passenger representatives, including members of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland and Bus Users Scotland.
The committee will then continue its inquiry into salmon fishing in Scotland.
Image source, ThinkstockPortfolio questions features justice ministers and law officers, followed by their colleagues in culture, tourism and external affairs.
Image source, LUKASSEKHolyrood is taking on responsibility for a raft of social security powers including disability living allowance
Then, MSPs will vote on the Stage 3 amendments to the Social Security Bill, before the final debate before voting to pass it at a later decision time of 7.10pm.