The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Scotland has written to First Minister John Swinney calling for an urgent meeting following his announcement of sweeping changes to Scotland’s bus network at SNP
Conference.

In a letter sent today (20 October), CPT Scotland Director Paul White has raised significant questions about the Scottish Government’s plans to bring bus services under public control through franchising and regulation by 2031, alongside the further expansion of the £2 bus fare cap.

CPT has expressed particular concern that neither bus operators, local authorities or regional transport partnerships were given advance notice of the Government’s decision to extend the £2 fare cap to Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire from April 2027.

The Scottish Government has subsequently committed to working closely with these organisations to implement the scheme. However, CPT has warned that a lack of early engagement and certainty risks making it more difficult for operators to plan services, investment and ticketing arrangements.

With the fare cap now due to cover four of Scotland’s seven Regional Transport Partnership areas from April 2027, CPT is seeking a clear timetable for its introduction across the rest of the country, as well as clarity on the implications for operator reimbursement.

The industry body has also reiterated its call for comprehensive research and evaluation of the existing schemes, including their impact on passenger numbers, modal shift from cars and the financial implications for operators, to ensure that future expansion is informed by evidence.

On the First Minister’s commitment to bring Scotland’s bus network back into public control, CPT has called on the Government to explain precisely what this will mean in practice and whether franchising is now the principal objective of its proposed Better Buses legislation.

CPT has warned that the announcement appears to go beyond previous commitments, which had suggested a wider process of engagement and consultation on measures to improve bus services.

Paul White, Director of CPT Scotland, said:

“These are significant announcements with far-reaching implications for Scotland’s bus network, yet fundamental questions remain about what the Government is proposing and how it intends to deliver it.

“It is disappointing that the expansion of the £2 fare cap was announced without advance consultation with the operators and partners responsible for delivering it. Meanwhile, the commitment to bring buses under public control raises important questions about the future regulatory landscape.

“We all share the ambition of delivering better bus services for passengers, but operators need clarity and certainty to plan and invest. We are calling for an urgent meeting with the First Minister to ensure that the industry is properly consulted and that its expertise helps shape the Government’s proposals.”

(Picture: Confederation of Passenger Transport Scotland)