A year-long trial of a £2 fare cap launches in the Western Isles this week, aiming to make bus travel more affordable and encourage greater use of public transport.
The £10 million pilot Scottish government scheme is being rolled out across the Highlands and Islands, with participating operators reimbursed by Transport Scotland.
Comhairle nan Eilean transport head and HITRANS chair, Cllr Uisdean Robertson, said: “I welcome the rollout of the pilot programme. Buses are a green and economical way to travel around the Western Isles; I support any move to make bus travel more accessible and hope that this fare cap will encourage more people to use our local public transport network.”
The pilot £2 cap on bus fares is due to be rolled out on a phased basis across Highland, Moray, Argyll and Bute and Orkney next month. The scheme was introduced in Shetland on January 30.
It is expected to have a significant impact in rural and island areas where journeys can be longer, and fares can be comparatively high.
A reduction in travel costs could therefore ease transport-related financial pressures, it is hoped, particularly on lower-income households, and improve connectivity to employment, education, healthcare and other services.
It is also anticipated that making travel more affordable will encourage a greater number of people to travel by bus rather than by car.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, said: “I’m delighted to see the £2 Bus Fare Cap Pilot launch in the Western Isles, following the first phase of launch in Shetland in January.
“This means that no one will pay more than £2 for a bus journey in the Western Isles and Shetland, for the duration of the pilot.
“This delivers on a key Scottish government Budget commitment and on a recommendation from the Fair Fares Review, offering another way to make public transport more available, accessible and affordable.”
The Scottish government is working on the pilot with Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), whose director, Ranald Robertson, called the fare cap a “major opportunity for the Highlands and Islands.”
He continued: “It will improve the affordability and accessibility of bus travel, supporting lower-income passengers.
“It will also encourage increased use of public transport and strengthen the sustainability of local bus services.”
The bus fare scheme has also been applauded by Isles MSP Alasdair Allan, who called it a “welcome step” in making public transport more accessible and affordable for islanders.
“Concessionary travel already exists in Scotland for under 22s and over 60s, so I hope this fare cap will make the prospect of bus travel a more viable option for lower-income passengers,” said Dr Allan.
“Of course, this is currently a pilot scheme, but if people make use of it, that increases its chance of remaining in the long term.
“Ultimately, this cap is further proof that this SNP Government’s priority is helping the people of Scotland through this cost-of-living and climate crisis by keeping more money in their pockets.”
This article has been updated since it was first published.
