Glasgow to trial Scotland’s first free public transport scheme

Glasgow is set to become the first city in Scotland to trial free public transport, as councillors approve a £225,000 budget to fund a pilot scheme for 1,000 residents.

The initiative aims to explore the social, economic, and environmental benefits of universal free travel and could shape future transport policy in the city.

The nine-week test run will provide selected participants with a smart card granting unlimited access to buses, trains, and the subway.

It follows a study by transport firm Stantec Limited, which found such a scheme to be feasible.

The study said: “The intention of the pilot is to provide a mechanism through which benefits and costs of free public transport can be captured and assessed, to inform future decision making and policy setting for potential wider roll-out of the scheme across the city on a more permanent basis."

'Major step forward'

The council is yet to confirm details of when and how the pilot will be implemented but has indicated that adults aged between 22 and 59 will be included.

The cost of rolling out free public transport for all Glaswegians in this age group for just nine weeks is estimated at £95.7 million, excluding administrative expenses.

The council’s long-term goal is to reduce car travel by 30% and reach net zero emissions by 2030, with increased public transport use seen as a key part of that strategy.

A council spokesperson described the pilot as a major step forward in understanding how free public transport could transform travel habits, reduce congestion, and support sustainability efforts.

'Shameful'

However, newly-minted Reform councillor, Thomas Kerr, argued the pilot money should have been used to improve the existing public transport network in Glasgow.

He said: "Glasgow's public transport system is utterly shameful for a city this size.

"The buses are never on time, trains are never running, you can't even get subways on a Sunday.

"I'd rather we invested that money in making our roads better, making sure public transport is up to scratch.

"I'd rather they abolished things like the Low Emission Zones to make sure that people can get in and out of the city centre.

"I'd much rather we focussed that money and energy on making sure that people have a better life in Glasgow.

"That their bins are collected, their taxes are cut, their potholes are fixed, that schools are up to scratch and that the city was cleaned up - I would much rather all that money be invested in that."

Residents keen to take part in the pilot should await further announcements from the council on eligibility and registration details.

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