With the Scottish National Party (SNP) emerging as the largest party, though failing to gain an outright majority in the Scottish elections last week, bus policies will be among those requiring cross-party cooperation this coming parliamentary term, Bus Users UK has highlighted.
The charity considers the SNP’s proposal for a £2 single fare cap across Scotland by the end of the term as among the most significant policies, although it adds “questions remain around long-term funding and implementation”.
However, the likelihood of that proceeding will depend on the cooperation of the other parties, whether SNP leader John Swinney proceeds with a minority government or via a coalition.
Support for the £2 policy may come from the Greens, which promised to expand free bus travel to everyone in Scotland.
The SNP and Greens have also signalled support for stronger regulation of bus services.
Bus Users UK notes “several parties called for increased subsidy and public investment to protect socially necessary services”.
However, such interventionist reforms are likely to meet opposition from the Conservatives and Reform UK in Holyrood.
Greig Mackay, Bus Users UK Director for Scotland, says: “This election marks a significant political shift in how bus services are viewed across Scotland. There is now growing cross-party recognition that the existing market-led model has failed too many communities, particularly in rural and socially isolated areas.
“What is emerging is a clear consensus that buses are not simply a commercial service, but essential public infrastructure that underpins access to employment, education, healthcare and social mobility.
“Measures such as a national £2 fare cap, expanded free travel and franchising will require meaningful cross-party cooperation, but the direction of travel appears to be towards a more integrated and publicly supported bus network for Scotland.”
