Scottish Government to invest £41.7 million in bus decarbonisation
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has announced that an innovative bus industry consortium will deliver 252 new zero-emission buses and coaches to Scotland’s roads, backed by Scottish Government investment. £41.7 million grant funding will support eight operators, led by electric vehicle fleet specialist Zenobē, to deliver the buses along with a Scotland-wide charging network for […]
Scotland to consider integrated ticketing for public transport
The Scottish Government is considering introducing a TfL-style ticket system for public transport across the country. Energy Secretary Mairi McAllan said this would be explored as part of a new strategy to reduce car journeys by 20%, as she confirmed reports that the Government was cancelling a key climate target. She told MSPs the Government was […]
Emails suggest A96 dualling pledge abandoned earlier than thought
It’s being claimed the promise to dual the A96 by 2030 was quietly dropped more than three years ago – even though officially the deadline hasn’t been dropped at all. The Northern Scot Newspaper in an exclusive report says it’s seen emails which show then-Transport Secretary Michael Matheson MSP, civil servants and Transport Scotland officials […]
Transport becomes cabinet post in Scotland
Scotland’s First Minister has elevated transport minister Fiona Hyslop to a full cabinet member, as the previous cabinet minister for the sector, Mairi McAllan concentrates on Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy. The reshuffle took place after the resignations of Elena Whithamin and Michael Matheson from the cabinet last week. Ms Whithamin stepped down for […]
Scottish government accused of “secret talks” to bring back Edinburgh Congestion Charge
Scotland’s SNP/Green administration and Edinburgh city council are said to be plotting to revive the idea of a congestion charge in the country’s capital, nearly 20 years after residents rejected the plan. The Scottish Daily Express reports the City’s transport convener Scott Arthur has revealed that officials are “working with the Scottish Government on pay-as-you-drive”, adding “that’s […]
Edinburgh councillor hails new pavement parking ban
The head of transport in Edinburgh has hailed the city’s new rules banning parking on pavements as “leading the way” on enforcing the Scotland-wide prohibition. Scottish regulations giving councils the power to enforce the new rules came into effect on 11 December, aimed at addressing “the inconvenience inconsiderate parking causes to all road users, in […]
Bus upgrade plans in Scotland “abandoned”
A budget to transform public transport and make it greener in a large part of Scotland has been withdrawn by the Scottish government. The Herald newspaper reports issues with funding has led to the scrapping of plans to electrify a bus fleet. It says it has emerged that the Scottish Government has slashed funding for […]
Business leaders warn A9’s reputation is damaging Highland economy
There’s a warning that visitors and business people are being deterred from going to the Scottish Highlands because of the “bad reputation” of the A9. The Scotsman Newspaper quotes the Inverness Chamber of Commerce telling members of the Scottish Parliament that companies and staff could be reluctant to move to the region “because of the […]
Peak fares removal pilot in Scotland dates confirmed as government looks towards sustainable travel
The Scottish Government has today confirmed that the ScotRail Peak Fares Removal Pilot will operate between 2 October 2023 and 29 March 2024 In an update to Parliament, the Minister confirmed dates for the pilot which forms a key part of the transport commitments in its recently published Programme for Government. During the pilot, all […]
More bus powers for local authorities in Scotland
The Scottish Government has now set out regulations that enable local transport authorities to explore the bus franchising and partnership powers in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, giving them more options to improve bus services in their own areas. The new powers, set out in the Programme for Government, will come into effect on 4 December, […]
