Highland Council submit £55m public transport plan
The bid includes proposals to create park and ride sites
Last updated 19th Apr 2021
It's hoped a £55 million investment will transform public transport and active travel across the Highlands.
Alongside bus operators and other stakeholders, Highland Council has submitted plans to Transport Scotland which they say will "prioritise buses in congested parts of the network."
The bid includes proposals to create park and ride sites around Inverness and Fort William, supported by priority bus lanes and junctions, as well as mini park and ride sites across the strategic road network.
The local authority say the plans "set the ambition for the region to dramatically tackle its carbon footprint by reducing dependence on private car" and will mean people have access to "healthy transport choices."
Economy, Development and Infrastructure Committee Chairwoman Cllr Trish Robertson said: "The Bus Partnership Fund offers the Highlands the chance of significant investment towards a modern and multi-modal transport network.
"This funding would support our recovery from Covid-19 both through construction jobs and helping buses to become more efficient and recover from this sustained period of reduced patronage.
"If this bid is successful, it will give us a fantastic chance to work with partners to deliver major benefits for the region.
"We look forward to working closely with Transport Scotland on the various proposals for the trunk road network, which are assets within their control but make up a significant part of the transport network in our villages, towns and the city of Inverness."