John Swinney pledges public control of Scotland’s buses by 2031
The first minister says franchising and regulation will give public authorities greater control of bus services, with legislation expected in 2027.
John Swinney pledged on 17 October at the SNP’s annual conference in Aberdeen to bring Scotland’s bus network under public control by the end of the parliamentary term in 2031. The first minister said the government would use franchising and regulation, a shift that could give public authorities more say over how services run.
Swinney told delegates: ‘We need more buses. And we need more frequent buses. It’s good for commuters and it’s good for the climate.’ He said the SNP would bring the network back into public control by the end of the term. The pledge sets a direction for policy; legislation and changes to services are still ahead.
How Scotland’s bus franchising plan could work
The Evening Standard, reporting a PA Wire account, said the Scottish Government plans to table a bill at Holyrood in 2027. The detailed powers and arrangements for individual areas have not been set out in the announcement.
The National reported that the plan would not necessarily involve nationalising existing bus operators. Private companies could instead bid for contracts to run services. It said Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, where public authorities determine routes, fares and service requirements, was a possible model for Scotland, rather than a confirmed design.
Where the £2 bus fare cap would expand
Swinney also announced a £2 bus fare cap for Aberdeen and the North East from April 2027, The National reported. The cap already applies in the Highlands and Islands and the Strathclyde transport area. The Evening Standard reported that the government plans to extend it across Scotland by the end of the parliamentary term in 2031.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie welcomed the pledges on public control and the fare cap, saying Labour would work with the Scottish Government to deliver them in the interests of people in Scotland, according to the PA Wire report published by the Evening Standard.
The Scottish Trades Union Congress also welcomed the bus announcement. Its general secretary, Roz Foyer, called it an important step but said the union movement would continue campaigning for full municipalisation of the network, The National reported. That goes further than the franchising approach Swinney outlined.
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Sources and context
- Buses to be brought under public control by 2031, says John SwinneyEvening Standard; report credited to PA Wire, Craig Paton
- Scotland's buses to be brought back into public control, John Swinney announcesThe National; James Walker, Political Reporter
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.