Local authorities have been given extra powers that will allow them to run their own bus services.
This is seen as a huge change for councils as this is the first time since 1985 they will be able to do this.
The change to existing legislation is aimed at allowing services in communities be more flexible and bring a boost to local economies.
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A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said: "We are aware of the introduction of new powers under the Transport (Scotland) Act and, in partnership with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
“We will continue to explore the role bus services could play in encouraging sustainable transport use as we look to reduce emissions and congestion on our roads network."
The change in plans has been welcomed by many as it will help drive down emissions, however, funding to start up services for councils has been called for by West of Scotland MSP Katy Clark.
She called for additional financial support to allow councils to run local services, saying: “The implementation of these provisions is incredibly welcome after years of campaigning by passenger groups and trade unions.
“However, few local authorities will feel capable to set up their own networks unless they receive sufficient funding and resources from the Scottish Government.
“In fact, as it stands, councils are effectively incentivised to pursue partnerships with private operators via the Bus Partnership Fund.
“Ministers must enable local authorities and transport partnerships to explore setting up their own networks so residents are finally served with routes based on need rather than profit.”
These new powers sit alongside the existing powers of councils to subsidise services as well as either working in partnership or in a franchise arrangement to improve bus services in their local area.
Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don says the move will mean councils can “run local bus services in any way they see fit,”
She added: “I am really excited to see these powers handed over to local authorities. The Transport (Scotland) Act was designed to help make Scotland’s transport network cleaner, smarter and more accessible than ever before.
“These new powers will allow councils to respond to their own local challenges, hopefully delivering a more responsive and sustainable transport system for their local area.
“Within Renfrewshire North & West we have seen a reduction in bus services in both our towns and villages over the years so these powers could be a positive step towards improving transport in the area which would be of huge benefit to local people and by reducing the number of cars on our roads, would help towards our climate targets.”
Changes would need to fit in with any pre-existing agreements with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), which is the regional transport partnership for the West of Scotland.
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