Highland councillors have approved an ambitious new ten year strategy that aims to reshape public transport across one of Europe’s largest and most challenging geographical regions, setting out a vision for better connections, fairer fares and improved services for communities from Inverness to the most remote parts of the Highlands.
The new Public Transport Strategy for 2026 to 2036 was approved by members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee and is designed to tackle some of the biggest challenges currently facing public transport, including rising costs, changing travel habits and the continuing decline of commercial bus services.
For many Highland communities, public transport is about far more than simply getting from one place to another, providing a vital link to employment, education, healthcare, shopping and social connections in areas where distances are vast and alternatives can be limited.
The strategy builds on recent investment in Highland Council operated bus services and ongoing partnership work aimed at strengthening transport links across the region, while recognising that rural and remote communities often face very different challenges from those experienced elsewhere in Scotland.
At its heart is a commitment to making public transport more accessible, more reliable and better connected, with a particular focus on ensuring communities are not left isolated as travel patterns continue to evolve.
The plan identifies five key priorities over the next decade, including improving access and inclusion, creating a more integrated transport network, delivering more direct and reliable bus routes, introducing fairer and simpler fares and accelerating the move towards a lower carbon transport fleet.
Councillors also agreed measures aimed at strengthening community transport services and introducing a more strategic approach to future transport contracts in an effort to improve long term stability and value for money.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said:
“This is a major step forward for public transport in the Highlands.
“The strategy sets out a clear and ambitious direction to improve how people travel across our region, while responding to the very real challenges we face.
“By moving forward, we are shaping a transport system that is more reliable, better connected and fit for the future.”
The strategy also places significant emphasis on improving transport options in rural areas where reliable services can play a crucial role in helping people remain within their communities while accessing opportunities elsewhere.
Alongside buses and community transport, future investment in infrastructure such as bus shelters, stops, mobility hubs and integrated transport interchanges is seen as essential to improving the overall passenger experience and encouraging greater use of public transport.
Partnership working will also form a key part of the approach, with closer collaboration planned between The Highland Council, NHS Highland and other organisations to make better use of vehicles, resources and services.
While the challenges facing public transport across the Highlands remain significant, supporters of the strategy believe it provides a long term roadmap for creating a network capable of supporting communities, businesses and visitors well into the future.
Officers will now begin a period of engagement with stakeholders as work continues on delivering the vision over the coming decade.
