Scotland Greens Shift Road Funds to Transit Card
Scottish Greens propose canceling A9, A96 road projects to fund Scotcard transit system
Greens Plan A9, A96 Cancellation for Transit Card
Scotland's Scottish Greens party plans to cancel the A9 and A96 road dualling projects to fund an integrated public transport card called Scotcard, officials said. Co-leader Gillian Mackay visited Inverness to present the party's manifesto ahead of the May 7 Holyrood elections. The policy shift would redirect infrastructure funding toward public transit improvements, though specific cost estimates for the Scotcard system weren't immediately available.
Context & Background
The A9 dualling project between Inverness and Perth has faced repeated delays, with the current completion deadline set for 2035 after being pushed back from an original 2025 target. The A96 dualling project has similarly experienced timeline extensions. Both projects have been central to Scotland's infrastructure plans for over a decade, with supporters arguing they're essential for safety and economic connectivity in the Highlands. The Greens' proposal represents a fundamental shift in transport priorities, redirecting road infrastructure funding toward integrated public transit solutions.
Key Details
Mackay stated that dualling the entire A9 "doesn't necessarily make sense" and claimed that dualling doesn't improve overall safety. The Greens' broader manifesto includes a £600 million spend on renewables, abolition of NHS dental charges, and a four-day work week. The policy announcement came just four days after a serious A9 crash between Dalwhinnie and Newtonmore that hospitalized four people. Colin Marr, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, strongly disagreed with Mackay's safety claims, citing "basic laws of physics."
Timeline & Implementation
The manifesto was presented ahead of the May 7 Holyrood elections, though officials haven't specified when the Scotcard system would be implemented if the party gains power. The Greens didn't provide a timeline for formally canceling the dualling projects or details about how quickly the integrated transport card could be rolled out. The Inverness Courier has been campaigning for A9 dualling since 2023.
Rider Impact & Moovit
The proposal has sparked debate between environmental advocates and business leaders who argue both road and rail investment are needed to support the growing renewables industry in the Highlands. Marr argued that infrastructure development shouldn't be an either-or choice between roads and public transit. Riders seeking real-time updates on Scottish transit services can use Moovit for trip planning and service information across the region's bus and rail networks.
