Environmentalists warn it is a retrograde step in tackling emissions

Environmental campaigners slammed the Scottish Government’s announcement it will scrap a pilot study that would have capped bus fares. 

Cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop, confirmed the decision at the Net Zero Committee this week after the government reinstated peak fares for trains last Autumn.

Transport is Scotland most polluting sector in terms of climate emissions, with limited reductions over the past 30 years.   

Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Caroline Rance commented: “Capping bus fares, as the UK government has done in England, would be an important step towards making public transport more affordable and attractive to people across Scotland.

“Buses are a climate solution that will help lower income households, cut toxic air pollution on our streets and provide real green jobs.    

“The transport minister has already brought back expensive peak fares for train users and this decision shows that the Scottish government isn't interested in making life easier for commuters or cutting emissions from our most climate polluting sector.

“Penny-pinching moves like this defy reason when billions of pounds remain trapped in the road expansion budget.  

“Scotland’s bus passenger numbers have fallen steeply in recent years while fares have risen, yet ministers have shown next to no interest in radically improving services.

“Stories abound of vital bus routes being axed and people being cut off from work, education and accessing vital services.”