First Minister announces roll-out of £2 fare cap.
People across the Highlands and Islands are set to benefit from
more affordable public transport as £2 capped bus fares are
rolled out this month.
The pilot will significantly cut fares across the Highland
network and is one of a range of measures the Scottish Government
is taking to support households hit by rising everyday costs.
Fares such as a single adult journey from Wick to Inverness,
currently £31, and a single adult journey from Elgin to
Inverness, currently £15.60, would be capped at £2.
Following a successful launch in Shetland and the Western Isles,
the pilot will be introduced in Orkney on 9 March and in
Highland, Moray, Argyll and Bute from 23 March.
First Minister visited Inverness Bus Station
to announce the rollout and meet Highland Council apprentices as
part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Mr Swinney said:
“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 at Highland Council today about the benefits
using public transport to get to and from work.
“The pilot will help to significantly reduce costs of travel
across the Highland network. For example a single adult fare from
Elgin to Inverness, currently £15.60, would be capped at £2.
“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.”
Background
£2 Bus Fare Cap Pilot
Regional Bus Fare Cap Pilot
£2 bus fare cap underway in
Shetland
