Greens are cutting the cost of transport
Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess has hailed the rollout of a £2 bus fare cap pilot across her Highlands and Islands region, secured as part of the Scottish Greens’ budget negotiations.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament today, Ariane asked the First Minister for an update on the rollout of the scheme and pressed for assurances that rural and island communities will fully benefit from it.
The scheme will apply across the Highlands and Islands region through HITRANS and ZetTrans and is due to roll out at the end of the month.
Capping bus fares at £2 is designed to make public transport more accessible, support household budgets, and boost Scotland’s climate commitments by giving more people the option to leave the car at home and catch the bus.
Ariane asked the First Minister:
“To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the rollout of the £2 bus fare cap pilot agreed as part of 2025-26 budget negotiations.”
Speaking after FMQ’s, Ariane said:
“I'm delighted that my region of the Highlands and Islands will be the first to benefit from this new approach to affordable buses achieved through Scottish Green budget negotiations.
“Rural and island areas are often overlooked when it comes to boosting public transport use, and £2 bus fares will be an important step to better connect the Highlands and Islands for both locals and visitors to enjoy and explore our beautiful country with a minimal impact on our climate.
“I visited a village near my hometown recently and the return journey cost me £11.90. When the £2 fares kick in, that will reduce to £4, which is a real saving for people and hopefully will encourage more people to choose the bus.
“Affordable and reliable public transport is vital for everyone, but we also need to see proper investment in regular, reliable bus services to reduce car dependency, cut emissions, and make travel fairer for people who often face higher costs and fewer services.”