The Scottish National Party (SNP) has unveiled plans to expand free bus travel, potentially benefiting over half of Scotland’s population. This initiative, which could cost taxpayers an additional £127 million each year, seeks to extend the current bus concessionary scheme to include approximately 680,000 adults who are considered to be living in relative poverty.
Currently, about 42 percent of Scots already enjoy free bus travel, which incurs an annual cost of around £430 million to the public purse. The proposed expansion aims to provide access to free transport for nearly three million individuals, including those earning less than £23,000 annually. This plan has been put forth by senior officials from Transport Scotland and Public Health Scotland, including Dr. Margaret Douglas and Paul Sloan.
Critics of the proposal have raised concerns regarding its financial viability. Scottish Conservative finance spokesman, Craig Hoy, emphasized that such an expansion could lead to significant tax increases or substantial cuts to other vital public services. He stated, “Given the SNP’s gross mismanagement of public finances, any such proposals are completely unaffordable and unrealistic at this time.” Hoy urged the government to prioritize the delivery of reliable public transport, particularly in rural areas.
The recent policy recommendation highlights a growing recognition of the need for affordable transportation options. According to a study published in the journal *Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives*, the current bus concessionary scheme does not adequately reach many low-income individuals who would benefit from free travel. The study identified that around 20 percent of working-age individuals, or 680,000 people, live in relative poverty and should be prioritized for expanded access to free bus travel.
Currently, certain groups, including individuals under 22, those aged 60 and older, and people claiming disability benefits, are eligible for free bus travel, totaling approximately 2.3 million cardholders. The proposed extension would add to the financial burden on taxpayers, increasing the annual costs by £127 million, based on the current scheme’s expenses.
In addition to the proposed expansion, the Scottish Government has allocated an estimated £12 million towards temporary travel schemes that are set to run until April. These include initiatives for asylum seekers and a trial that caps fares at £2 across various regions, including the Highlands and Islands, Moray, and Argyll and Bute.
While the Scottish Government has not commented directly on the latest recommendations, discussions regarding the forthcoming Scottish Budget have revealed ongoing negotiations related to other proposals, such as providing free bus travel for all individuals under 30. A government spokesman noted that “engagement with parties is ongoing,” indicating that the conversation surrounding public transport funding and accessibility is far from over.
As the SNP moves forward with its plans, the implications for taxpayers and public services remain a central focus in the debate surrounding the future of transportation in Scotland.
