Bus fares to be capped in Highlands and Argyll
Bus fares will be capped at £2 in the Highlands and Argyll under a new Scottish Government scheme.
The new pilot scheme will see the cap on fares rolled out throughout this month, saving commuters tens of pounds per journey.
Fares such as a single adult journey from Wick to Inverness, currently £31, and a single adult journey from Elgin to Inverness, currently £15.60, would be capped at £2.
The pilot will be introduced in Orkney on March 9 and in Highland, Moray, Argyll and Bute from 23 March.
It has already been trialled to great success in the Western Isles and Shetland, and is the next step in the Scottish Government’s efforts to improve rural connectivity.
The pilot will last for the next 12 months, and requires no registration. You do not need to live locally to benefit from the scheme either.
Passengers with a National Entitlement Card, such as those under 22 and pensioners, can continue to travel free of charge, as usual.
First Minister John Swinney visited Inverness Bus Station to announce the rollout and meet Highland Council apprentices as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Mr Swinney said: "This pilot makes bus travel more affordable for everyone and improves access for low-income communities in rural areas.
“The new £2 bus fare cap is a huge saving, making it easier and cheaper for people to get around – and I have heard first-hand from apprentices at Highland Council today about the benefits using public transport to get to and from work.
“The pilot will help to significantly reduce costs of travel across the Highland network. For example a single adult fare from Elgin to Inverness, currently £15.60, would be capped at £2.
“This is just one measure we are taking to help people with the rising cost of living, including scrapping peak rail fares to help commuters, and continuing to provide free bus travel for under-22s, over-60s and disabled people.”
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