Scotland to bring buses back into public control by 2031

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

John Swinney has announced the SNP will bring Scotland's bus network back into public control by the end of the next parliament through franchising and regulation.

John Swinney announced at the SNP conference in Aberdeen that the party will bring Scotland's bus network back into public control by the end of the next parliament in 2031. He said this would be achieved through franchising and regulation. Swinney stated: 'We need more buses. And we need more frequent buses. It's good for commuters and it's good for the climate.'

As part of the policy, a £2 cap on bus fares will be introduced in Aberdeen and the North East from April 2027. This follows existing caps already in place in the Highlands and Islands, and in the Strathclyde transport area. The SNP said it is committed to rolling out the cap across Scotland before 2031.

Bus services outside London were deregulated during the 1980s Thatcher government, which allowed private operators to choose their own routes and timetables. Edinburgh has remained the only part of Scotland to keep control of its local bus network. Glasgow's councillors voted in 2024 to progress plans to bring buses under local control but faced opposition from private operators.

How it is being reported

• Bus services across Scotland to be brought under 'public control' by 2031, claims John SwinneyThe First Minister announced "by the end of this Parliament, through franchising and regulation, the SNP will bring the bus network back into public control".Daily Record · 17 Oct, 16:14
• Scotland's buses to be brought back into public control, John Swinney announcesTHE SNP will bring Scotland's bus network back into public control, John Swinney has announced ...The National · 17 Oct, 15:17

In this story: John Swinney · SNP · Scotland · Aberdeen · Andy Burnham · Edinburgh · Glasgow

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