A £2 bus fare cap pilot covering large parts of northern and island Scotland will launch in 2026 after Bus Users UK helped shape the selection process for the scheme.
The 12 month pilot, backed by £10 million in funding, has been awarded jointly to Hitrans and Zetrans.
The trial will cover the Highlands, Moray, Argyll and Bute, and island communities in the Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland.
The scheme aims to make bus travel more affordable, particularly for lower income households, while increasing passenger numbers and improving customer satisfaction.
Bus Users UK played a central role in the decision making process, representing passengers on the selection panel that assessed bids from four Regional Transport Partnerships.
Bus Users UK said the pilot has the potential to strengthen vital bus services across rural and island communities.
Greig Mackay, Director for Scotland at Bus Users UK, said passenger voices were critical to the outcome.
“Bus Users UK advocates for the millions of passengers across Scotland who rely on these lifeline services.
“Playing such a central role in this process ensures passengers are fully represented in decisions that will affect communities across the region.”
He said lowering fares could have wider benefits beyond affordability.
“Making bus travel more affordable does not just benefit the people who rely on it.
“It encourages modal shift which reduces congestion and improves service reliability, making buses more viable and protecting them for the future.”
The pilot is intended to test whether capped fares can deliver sustained growth in bus use while supporting communities where travel options are often limited.
Bus Users UK said it will continue working with Transport for Scotland and Regional Transport Partnerships to support the rollout and maximise benefits for passengers.
If successful, the pilot could inform future decisions on fare policy and public transport funding across Scotland.
The trial is expected to begin in 2026, with outcomes assessed at the end of the 12 month period.
