Reduces Inequalities

There are three outcomes under the Reduces Inequalities priority:

  • Will provide fair access to services we need;
  • Will be easy to use for all; and,
  • Will be affordable for all

Over the fourth Delivery Plan period:

  • We will remain committed to supporting delivery of concessionary travel and we will maintain existing eligibility to the National Concessionary Travel Schemes for those groups who currently benefit, carrying out further policy development to consider better targeting of public funds towards supporting access to public transport for those who need it most.
  • We will work with bus operators and local authorities to ensure that more children can access their free bus entitlement, and that they use buses responsibly.
  • To increase stability in the bus system, Transport Scotland, working with local government, industry and other stakeholders, will develop a bus services improvement plan and delivery framework to improve future availability of bus services across Scotland.
  • We will continue to sponsor the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) to advocate for accessible transport systems, to ensure inclusive policies and to address specific challenges, such as active travel, digital ticketing and access to healthcare.
  • We will progress the activities set out in the 2024-2026 Accessible Travel Framework (ATF) Delivery Plan. Activities are spread across seven workstreams, which include clear pathways, journey planning, improving passenger experience, and improving the evidence base. Planning for the ATF successor, including ensuring a stakeholder engagement route map, will continue.
  • The Scottish Government will progress the development of the Rural Delivery Plan, which will set out how we are delivering for Scotland’s rural mainland communities. The Plan, which will be published by the end of the current Parliament, will cover transport and a range of key areas including agriculture, housing, social justice, skills, digital connectivity, economic development, and health and social care.
  • We will develop and publish a sectoral Just Transition Plan for transport, alongside others for energy, built environment and construction, and land use and agriculture.
  • We will maintain our close working with the Department for Transport and Network Rail, progressing the ongoing feasibility work, seeking to identify options to improve accessibility for the Scottish stations selected to receive Access for All funding in Control period 7 (2024-2029).
  • Options to improve accessibility at Dunkeld and Birnam Rail Station will continue to be developed through the ongoing engagement with the rail Industry, local representatives and members of the community.
  • We will retain Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) as the basis for all passenger and islander vehicle fares and consider changes to RET, including how the RET formula will be applied on longer routes, such as Shetland, removing RET for non-islanders, and publish a review of the RET car formula.
  • Through CalMac's Enhancement and Change Plan, we will review the current deck space reservation pilot for Mull, Coll and Tiree and, if this has delivered the intended benefit, engage with other communities on potential roll-out opportunities. This should allow greater opportunity for island communities and those who require to travel with a vehicle at shorter notice.
  • With CalMac, we will pilot creating dedicated vehicle-deck space for healthcare workers travelling to and from Arran and Cumbrae.