£2 bus fare cap ‘considered seriously’ by Government, says Swinney

John Swinney has said he will “seriously” consider proposals to cap bus fares in Scotland to £2.

The First Minister said he understands the “benefit that could arise” from the policy and the need to ensure transport is affordable.

The SNP leader was pressed on the issue by Scottish Green MSP Lorna Slater, who is campaigning for the policy.

She said a cap on fares would support household budgets while encouraging commuters to leave their cars at home.

She said during First Minister’s Questions: “Buses are too expensive in Scotland. We see fare hikes every year – with passengers across the country having to fork out even more cash to get on board.”

Ms Slater said that in the First Minister’s Perthshire North constituency, people are paying an “extortionate” £5.10 to travel from Blairgowrie to Perth.

The Green co-leader said a £2 cap would save a commuter on this journey £31 a week, and £124 a month.

She said: “Does the First Minister agree with me that we should be capping fares and making buses cheaper in Scotland?”

The First Minister said he “understands the logic of the point” made by Ms Slater and that making fares “as low cost as possible is an aspiration the Government shares”.

He added: “I am aware that these proposals have been advanced by the Scottish Green Party and I give Lorna Slater the assurance that they will be considered seriously by the Scottish Government.”

Mr Swinney pointed to the free bus travel scheme for under-22s introduced by the Scottish Government during its partnership with the Greens, which he said had “been a huge benefit” to young people.

He went on: “I understand the proposals put forward by the Green Party, and I understand the benefit that would arise out of being able to implement those proposals.

“They were not included in the Government’s Budget in December, but I give Lorna Slater the assurance that these proposals will be considered seriously by the Government as we take forward our budget preparations.”

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed on Tuesday there is “no provision” in the Budget for a cap on bus fares.

A trial of fare capping on buses was recommended as part of Transport Scotland’s Fair Fares Review.

The Scottish Government agency said an “area-based” flat fares pilot could attract people on to buses rather than opting to take the car.

Appearing before Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Ms Hyslop signalled she is in favour of a pilot but cited financial pressures as the reason it had not happened.

“I was keen that we did have a pilot but it proved particularly problematic last year because of the emergency measures,” she said.

“Anything that was new or additional, it was very difficult to get financial approval, as we had to realise the adjustments that had been made, particularly around the autumn Budget.”