Bus fare cap in Scotland proposed for next budget

This could save regular commuters hundreds of pounds and transform bus services across the country, according to West of Scotland MSP Ross Greer.

The year-long trial of capped bus fares is one of the Scottish Greens’ ‘key demands’ of the Scottish Government for the 2025-26 budget.

As a minority government, the SNP will need the support of at least one other party in Parliament for their budget to pass.

Other Green proposals include the expansion of universal free school meals to all P6 and P7 pupils.

A bus fare cap would build on the success of free bus travel for everyone under 22, which was secured by the Scottish Greens in 2022.

This has resulted in 730,000 young people taking over 140 million free bus journeys since its launch.

A trial of fare capping was recommended by the Scottish Government’s ‘Fair Fares’ review, published by Transport Scotland in 2023.

This concluded: “We will develop a proposal for a bus flat fares pilot for an area-based scheme to provide flat fares on bus travel, or reduced fares on zonal integrated travel for consideration in future budgets.”

Mr Greer said: “Capping bus fares at £2 would be a big boost for commuters, and the Scottish Greens will push for it to be added to this year’s budget.

“By reducing the price of bus travel, we can help people to save money, protect the planet and make our roads safer by reducing the volume of traffic.”

Mr Greer highlighted the growing problem of bus costs, suggesting that a £2 fare cap would make bus travel more affordable than car travel.

He added: “It would also reduce the isolation often felt by those who cannot afford their own car in the first place.

“If we are going to support families with the cost of living and encourage people to leave their cars at home, we must reduce the cost of public transport.

“A fare cap would help keep young adults on the buses when they have to start paying, as well as supporting other working-age adults with the cost of their commute.”