A new Regional Bus Fare Cap Pilot will be delivered across the Highlands and Islands, following further details set out by the Scottish Government after a commitment made in the 2025 to 2026 budget.
Backed by a £10m investment, the pilot is designed to make bus travel more affordable and accessible, encouraging greater use of public transport while supporting lower income passengers and strengthening local bus services.
The pilot will be rolled out after a successful Expression of Interest process and will be delivered in partnership with regional transport bodies HiTrans and ZetTrans.
It will cover communities across Highland, Moray and Argyll and Bute, as well as island areas in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.
The Scottish Government says the initiative is intended to help people make more affordable travel choices, improve access to essential services and support the long term sustainability of local bus networks in rural and island communities.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said Scotland’s public transport system plays a vital role in everyday life.
“Scotland’s public transport system is a key enabler for growth and opportunity, helping people and communities to connect to jobs, education, retail, public services, leisure, social and family networks.”
She confirmed the next step in delivering the pilot.
“I am pleased to confirm the establishment of the bus fare cap pilot, another way in which we can help people to make positive and proactive travel choices to use bus and address affordability issues.
“I very much look forward to working with HiTrans and ZetTrans, and relevant bus operators within these areas, to progress the launch of the pilot and make bus travel more affordable, improve access for low income communities, and support sustainable travel for people across those regions.”
The pilot is expected to provide valuable evidence on how fare caps could work in rural and island settings, where transport costs and connectivity can be a significant challenge for residents.
