Bus fares in Scotland should be capped at £2 to ‘encourage people to leave their cars at home’

Bus passengers in Scotland could soon benefit from capped fares of £2 if the Scottish Greens have their way. The party is urging the SNP Government to introduce a price cap on bus fares, a move they say would save commuters hundreds of pounds and improve access to local services across the country.

In England, a similar policy has been in place since 2023, capping single journey fares at £2 and benefiting regular commuters significantly. The Scottish Greens believe that implementing a fare cap in Scotland would complement the existing free bus travel for under-22s, which has seen 730,000 young people take 140 million journeys since its introduction in 2022.

Mark Ruskell of the Scottish Greens emphasised the positive impact of capping bus fares, stating that it would make journeys more affordable for many currently priced out of using public transport. He highlighted the potential benefits for workers, regular commuters, and those visiting friends and family.

The Greens are hopeful that a fare cap would not only reduce the cost of living but also encourage more people to choose public transport over using their cars. By drawing on the success of free bus travel for young people, the party aims to keep more individuals using buses even after they no longer qualify for free travel.

The price cap in England is achieved through a voluntary agreement with bus operators, with the government covering the difference between the capped fare and the commercial fare. Meanwhile, the Poverty Alliance has called on the SNP Government to support more councils in bringing buses back under local control to address issues of affordability and reliability raised by those on low incomes.

The SNP Government has expressed its commitment to engaging with all parties in Parliament to deliver the forthcoming budget. While the introduction of a £2 fare cap in Scotland may face different considerations due to the existing free bus travel schemes, the potential for making public transport more accessible and affordable remains a key focus.

In conclusion, the proposal to cap bus fares at £2 in Scotland could have far-reaching benefits for commuters, local services, and the environment. By making public transport more affordable, the initiative aims to reduce the reliance on cars, cut pollution, and provide cleaner, greener transport options for all residents. It remains to be seen how this proposal will be received by the government and other stakeholders in the transport sector in Scotland.