The Scottish Government’s regional £2 single bus fare cap was officially launched at Inverness Bus Station last week by First Minister John Swinney.
The initiative is being rolled out across the Highlands and Islands and will run for a 12-month pilot period.
After beginning in Shetland and the Outer Hebrides in January and February, it was introduced in Orkney on 9 March. It will expand to the Scottish Highlands and Moray on 23 March.
The cap will substantially reduce some fares, with the cost of a one-way journey between Wick and Inverness reduced more than 15-fold from £31.
Stagecoach North Scotland is working in partnership with the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to bring the scheme to Orkney.
Mr Swinney says: “This pilot makes bus travel more affordable for everyone and improves access for low-income communities in rural areas.
“The new £2 bus fare cap is a huge saving, making it easier and cheaper for people to get around, and I have heard first-hand from apprentices today about the benefits of using public transport to get to and from work.
“This is just one measure we are taking to help people with the rising cost of living, including scrapping peak rail fares to help commuters and continuing to provide free bus travel for under-22s, over-60s and disabled people.”
William Mainus, Commercial Director for Stagecoach North Scotland, adds: “We were delighted to welcome the First Minister to Inverness Bus Station and are pleased to be working in partnership with the Scottish Government to introduce the £2 fare cap pilot programme.
“Affordable and reliable bus services are essential for island and rural communities, connecting people to work, education, healthcare and leisure.
“By simplifying single fares and capping them at £2, we hope to encourage more people to choose the bus, supporting both local connectivity and more sustainable travel choices.”
The £10 million investment from the Scottish Government is being delivered by Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) HiTrans and ZetTrans.
Last month, Moray Council expressed concern over the level of reimbursement that will be issued, although a decision over whether it will take part in the scheme for bus services it operates has not yet been published.
