October 27 2025
Bus and coach operators are urging politicians to tackle Scotland’s chronic traffic congestion in order to speed up journeys, boost public transport and benefit the economy.
In a manifesto to be launched today the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s Scotland conference in Edinburgh, the industry calls for steps to enable faster, greener and safer bus and coach journeys.
Top priority is to address traffic congestion and improve journey times for the 900,000 trips made by bus every day in Scotland. The average bus in Scotland travels at 11.3mph.
Faster buses would reduce costs and attract additional passengers, allowing operators to lay on more frequent services. This, in turn, would improve connectivity and get people to education, health appointments and their local high streets quicker and more reliably.
A KPMG study last year found that buses contribute £5.3 billion to Scotland’s economy annually. New research commissioned by CPT Scotland was published today and has found that an improvement of just 8% in bus speeds would increase this by £565 million to £5.9 billion annually. The research also details the environmental and social benefits of faster buses, and why increasing bus speeds is a critical lever for improving public transport efficiency. Modelling demonstrates how modest speed increases could result in millions more journeys.
In its manifesto, Shaping the Future of Bus and Coach in Scotland, CPT Scotland is challenging all parties at the Scottish Parliament 2026 elections to support five priorities to enhance bus and coach travel:
Tackle congestion to improve journey times. Measures such as bus lanes, bus gates and traffic light priority can speed up journeys. Multi-year funding commitments are needed for bus priority, and local and national action is required to improve bus speeds and reduce the impact of road works.
Support rural bus and coach. Buses play a vital role in Scotland’s rural areas. Consider designating socially necessary bus services, improve rural zero emission infrastructure, and place a greater focus on coach tourism.
Continue the journey to greener bus and coach. More support is needed for small and medium sized operators, and coach operators. Prioritise fast charging infrastructure for bus and coach.
Review bus funding in Scotland. The Network Support Grant has not increased since 2012, amounting to a real terms cut of over 30%. In the meantime, costs such as staff, vehicles, parts and fuel have continued to increase.
Ensure passenger and staff safety. Suspend or remove free travel from concessionary card holders where use is linked to criminal or anti-social behaviour. Consider introducing Transport Safety Officers, and deliver more education on how to use buses safely and responsibly.
The manifesto will be launched at the 47th annual CPT Scotland Conference, which will include an address by Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.
Paul White, Director, CPT Scotland, said: “Buses and coaches account for three quarters of public transport journeys in Scotland – they’re a green, affordable and convenient alternative to travelling by car.
“Bus users come from across the political spectrum. We urge all candidates to recognise the crucial role of buses and coaches in peoples’ day-to-day lives, and to prioritise measures that will get passengers to their destinations quickly, cheaply and sustainably.
“In particular, there is a real opportunity to boost Scotland’s economy by speeding up bus journeys, enabling more people to earn, learn and spend. Buses are the lifeblood of our communities – it is time to put them at the heart of Scotland’s political debate.”
Case study: speeding up bus journeys by introducing bus priority in Aberdeen
Bus priority measures were introduced in Aberdeen city centre in August 2023, restricting certain streets to buses, taxis, cycles and goods vehicles only to ease congestion. The initiative was funded by a £200,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s Bus Partnership Fund through the North East Bus Alliance.
The restrictions on traffic have markedly sped up journeys on five of First Aberdeen’s services – routes 3, 12, 13, 15 and 20 – attracting more passengers and stimulating investment.
In the two years since the gates were introduced, First Bus has seen reliability improve and passenger numbers rise, in spite of the closure of Union Street for major road works since April 2024.
Route 3, between Mastrick and Cove via Aberdeen City Centre, now takes 44 minutes to complete its journey, versus 53 minutes prior to the bus gates.
Route 12, between Torry and Heathryfold via Union Square and Aberdeen City Centre, takes 39 minutes, down from 48 minutes.
The number of passengers using the five First Aberdeen routes involved has risen by 11%, implying an additional 430,000 journeys a year. This prompted the operator to invest in additional services and to offer free bus travel every weekend throughout January 2024, encouraging further shift from car usage.
Meanwhile, revenue generated from bus lane enforcement in Aberdeen has allowed the city council to invest in bus improvements throughout the area, including the relaunch of night bus services.