Glasgow City Council has confirmed that a pilot scheme granting free public transport to everyone in the city will begin in early 2026, after over 18 months of uncertainty.

Councillor Angus Millar confirmed that the scheme will benefit 1000 Glaswegians for a six-week period, in response to a question posed by Scottish Greens councillor and transport spokesperson Christy Mearns, says the Glasgow Times.

Responding to the news, Mearns said:

“As a city with one of the lowest levels of car ownership across the whole of Scotland, this will have a transformative impact for people living in poverty and experiencing social isolation and I hope that it will pave the way for expanding free public transport in Glasgow longer-term.

“We can reach net zero by 2030 but only with bold and ambitious ideas, which Greens are demonstrating can be done. By introducing practical and radical solutions to the climate crisis, we are also improving the lives of our citizens.

“Greens in Government have secured free bus travel for everyone under 22 in Scotland, with young people taking millions free bus journeys thanks to the scheme. We are building on this to make our city greener and fairer for all.”

It comes after several years of work to develop a proposal, following on from a recommendation made by the Scottish Government’s Just Commission in 2021 to evaluate whether a reduction in emissions and greater social inclusion would justify a nationwide policy of free transport being introduced.

Funding was secured by Scottish Greens councillors from budget negotiations two years ago allowed for the proposals to be drawn up, with funding secured in 2024 to carry out the pilot.

A start date is yet to be announced but, if successful, could be the first step in free public transport being introduced across wider Scotland.

(Pic: First Bus)