SNP’s shelved bus fare cap plan lets down workers and commuters
The introduction of a £2 flat bus fare would be a big boost for communities, public transport and our climate, says Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, who has called on the Scottish Government to introduce the change as part of this year’s budget.
The comments follow evidence at the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee this morning in which the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, confirmed that the government has shelved plans to pilot the policy. The confirmation followed questions by Mr Ruskell.
The pilot was one of the main recommendations of the Scottish Government's Fair Fares review last year, which aimed to boost the use of public transport.
Mr Ruskell said:
“If we want more people to use public transport and leave their cars at home then we badly need to cut the cost of travel, which is exactly what a fare cap would do.
“It is disappointing that the Scottish Government has not budgeted for piloting such a scheme, when it was one of the main recommendations in their own policy report and has been done in other parts of the UK.
“Bus fares vary hugely across the country. The introduction of a £2 fare cap would allow people to make the journeys they are currently priced-out of while supporting workers and regular commuters, and encouraging people to leave their car at home and switch to public transport.
“By introducing a fare cap we can support communities, public transport and our climate while delivering cleaner, greener and more affordable transport for all.”
Mr Ruskell added:
“The introduction of free bus travel for young people has been one of the proudest achievements of devolution and has saved families all over Scotland hundreds of pounds while creating a whole new generation of bus users.
“For some the price cliff when they lose their bus pass is huge, but a fare cap would help to keep them on buses when they have to start paying.”