Swinney to launch SNP election campaign bus with trip from Dundee to Aberdeen

John Swinney is due to launch the SNP’s election campaign bus in Dundee on Saturday, as he seeks to highlight his policy on bus fares.

In the party’s manifesto, Mr Swinney pledged to cap bus fares at £2 across Scotland.

The First Minister will ride the SNP bus – which has livery reading “On Scotland’s side” – from Dundee to Aberdeen, saying that such a journey would cost £2 on public buses if the policy is implemented.

The SNP says people making the journey would save £7.60 under their plans.

Scots will go to the polls on May 7.

Mr Swinney said: “I am looking forward to campaigning in every part of Scotland between now and polling day.

“The SNP is the only party fighting to win in every part of Scotland – and I intend to be First Minister for all of Scotland.

“It is obvious that the cost of living is the defining issue of this campaign – whether fuel prices, food prices or energy bills, people are really struggling. And the SNP will not sit back – we will take action.”

He continued: “Today, I am travelling from Dundee to Aberdeen and, under the current system, that journey could cost people almost £10. With a re-elected SNP Government, it will be £2.

“At a time when people are struggling, public transport needs to be affordable – people need to be able to get to their work and to get out and about. That is what I will ensure happens with the SNP’s £2 bus fare cap.”

A pilot scheme to cap bus fares at £2 was implemented in parts of Scotland earlier this year.