Scotland Proposes Free Bus Travel for All Riders

Scottish Greens propose free bus travel for all residents, starting with under-30s

Scotland Plans Free Bus Travel for All

Scotland's bus riders could soon travel for free under a plan unveiled by the Scottish Green Party ahead of the May 2026 election. The party's manifesto proposes eliminating fares for everyone in Scotland, with riders under 30 receiving free travel immediately and a £2 cap for others during the transition period. The Greens also plan to introduce an integrated ticketing system called ScotCard and bring the bus network under local control.

Context

The free bus travel proposal is part of a broader transport strategy aimed at reducing carbon emissions and making public transit more accessible. Scotland currently offers free bus travel to residents over 60 and those with disabilities, but the Green Party's plan would extend this benefit to all age groups. Transit officials said the phased approach—starting with under-30s—would allow the system to manage the transition while ensuring service quality. The party hasn't specified how long the transition period with the £2 cap would last before universal free travel takes effect.

Details

The manifesto requires all new homes to be connected to zero-carbon public transport, linking housing development directly to transit access. Officials said the ScotCard integrated ticketing system would work across multiple transit modes, though specific details about which services would be included weren't provided. The plan to bring bus networks under local control would shift operations from private companies to municipal authorities. The party's broader manifesto also includes reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 and creating 40,000 green energy jobs over five years.

Timeline

The Scottish Parliament election is scheduled for May 7, 2026. If the Greens gain enough seats to influence policy, under-30s would receive free bus fares immediately, according to the manifesto. Officials haven't provided a specific timeline for when the £2 fare cap would end or when universal free travel would begin for all riders. The party said implementation details would depend on negotiations and budget allocations following the election.

Impact

The free bus travel plan could significantly reduce transportation costs for Scottish residents, particularly younger riders and those currently paying full fares. Officials said the policy aims to increase transit ridership while reducing car dependency and emissions. Riders can track bus schedules and plan trips using Moovit, which provides real-time updates for Scotland's transit networks. The party hasn't released cost estimates for implementing universal free bus travel or details about how the transition would be funded.