Transport Scotland has published the fifth Delivery Plan for the Scottish Government’s National Transport Strategy, outlining a comprehensive package of actions designed to deliver a transport system that is sustainable, safe, inclusive, resilient and accessible to all.
The Plan details progress and future commitments across the four strategic priorities that underpin the National Transport Strategy: reducing inequalities, taking climate action, supporting inclusive economic growth, and improving health and wellbeing.
The Delivery Plan outlines several measures aimed at ensuring fair and equitable access to transport across Scotland. These include:
- Continued support for Scotland’s National Concessionary Travel Schemes, enabling free bus travel for older and disabled people, and free nationwide bus travel for under‑22s.
- Making free rail travel for companions of blind and partially sighted people permanent, improving independence and accessibility.
- Removing mid‑ and peak‑season ferry fares on Northern Isles services for residents of Orkney and Shetland, reducing transport costs for island communities.
These measures aim to make essential services, employment and social opportunities more accessible to those who face the greatest barriers.
The Scottish Government reaffirmed transport’s important role in meeting Scotland’s climate commitments. Key actions include:
- Working with local authorities, regional transport partnerships, and private and third‑sector organisations to deliver the transport actions in the final Climate Change Plan.
- Expanding the public EV charging network, including through rural and island grants, aimed at delivering approximately 24,000 additional public electric vehicle charge points by 2030.
- Strengthening the resilience of the trunk road network to withstand severe weather, including storms and flooding linked to climate change.
These commitments support the transition to low‑carbon travel and greater resilience in Scotland’s infrastructure.
Transport investment is central to Scotland’s economic ambitions, with major commitments outlined in the Delivery Plan:
- Nearly £1.2 billion of investment in motorways and trunk roads to ensure the network is safe, efficient and resilient.
- Progress on dualling key sections of the A9, alongside improvements to other major trunk routes.
- Delivering the major vessels programme, including MV Glen Rosa at Ferguson Marine and three additional major vessels being built at the Cemre shipyard to improve ferry services for island and coastal communities.
These projects are designed to support regional economies, improve reliability for communities and provide better connections for businesses.
Recognising the connection between transport, health and quality of life, the Delivery Plan highlights:
- Continued rollout of targeted casualty reduction measures and active travel infrastructure improvements on Scotland’s trunk road network.
- Ongoing support through the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund, helping to deliver safer walking, wheeling and cycling routes nationwide.
- Collaboration with Regional Transport Partnerships and NHS Boards to deliver the Transport to Health Delivery Plan, improving non‑emergency access to healthcare services.
Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said:
“Transport is a fundamental part of daily life for people of all ages across Scotland. It is essential for wellbeing, enabling social connections, access to leisure and vital services such as healthcare. It underpins nearly every aspect of economic activity, but its impact extends far beyond economics.
“Transport is vital in reducing inequality and supporting Scotland’s transition to net zero. It connects people with communities and employment opportunities, particularly those who rely on it most. Our commitment to the removal of peak rail fares and the freeze on ticket prices are significant measures that help households retain more of their income while encouraging a shift from car use to more sustainable travel, contributing to climate goals.
“Major infrastructure programmes including dualling of the A9, upgrading of our ports and harbours and investment in modernising our ferry fleet play a central role in the delivery of our economic growth. And, to improve our health and wellbeing, we are taking forward active travel infrastructure improvements and implementing a range of road safety measures.
“Across Scotland, a wide range of partners and stakeholders – including local authorities, regional transport partnerships, businesses, and individuals – play an important role in delivering the National Transport Strategy. For the first time, this Delivery Plan also highlights some of the work being undertaken by our partners.
“The actions set out in this Delivery Plan continue to drive forward our vision for a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system, helping to deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses and visitors.”
By embedding climate action, accessibility and wellbeing across transport planning, the Government aims to build a system that supports thriving communities, encourages sustainable travel and ensures no one is excluded from the benefits of movement.
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