The Highland Council is encouraging residents and visitors to take advantage of its £2 single fare cap as the summer holidays approach and more people look for affordable ways to travel across the region.
The scheme applies to the council’s in house bus services and is helping make public transport more accessible while encouraging sustainable travel throughout the Highlands.
Introduced in April, the initiative has already delivered a significant increase in passenger numbers.
The Highland Council says fare paying passenger figures rose by 25 per cent during the first month of the scheme and increased by 36 per cent in the following month when compared with the same period last year.
The council believes the lower fares are helping more people access local services, visit friends and family and enjoy days out without the expense of fuel and parking costs.
Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said:
“The £2 fare cap means passengers can travel for less, opening up opportunities to explore the Highlands, whether it’s visiting friends and family, accessing local amenities, or enjoying days out without the cost of fuel and parking.
“At the same time, we are investing in greener, more reliable buses that will benefit communities by providing a practical and affordable way to get out and about.
“From city routes to connections serving local communities, the services provide passengers with easy access to green spaces, leisure facilities and attractions across the region.”
Alongside the fare cap, the council continues to invest in its public transport network with additional vehicles already entering service to improve reliability.
Further improvements are planned in the coming months, including more electric buses and enhanced onboard passenger information systems.
The council says growing passenger numbers are being seen across several communities, including Milton of Leys and Dalneigh, where demand for local bus services continues to increase.
Positive feedback has also been reported for the Castle Experience buses launched earlier this year, which were introduced to support both local residents and visitors travelling around Inverness.
Councillor Gowans added:
“With a growing network of services across communities such as Milton of Leys and Dalneigh, early figures show encouraging passenger numbers, demonstrating increasing confidence in local bus travel.
“Positive feedback has also been received the Castle Experience buses that were launched earlier this year, highlighting how public transport can play a key role in supporting both residents and visitors.”
The move forms part of wider efforts to modernise public transport and reduce emissions across the Highlands.
At a recent meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, councillors were advised that funding has been secured from Transport Scotland for 10 zero emission buses and supporting infrastructure.
The investment will help create a cleaner and more sustainable fleet while supporting future growth in public transport use.
The council has also reminded residents that anyone under 22 or over 60 who lives in Scotland can continue to travel free with a National Entitlement Card, making bus travel an even more attractive option for many households.
For details and to apply visit https://www.nec.scot/
As summer approaches, the £2 fare scheme is offering an affordable way for more people to explore the Highlands while supporting greener travel choices.
For full timetable information and journey details click here
