Ross to demand SNP ‘get on board’ with £2 bus fare cap

The Scottish Tory leader will use the General Election campaign to urge the SNP to follow Westminster’s policy.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross will set out his plans to reduce bus travel in Scotland. (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross is set to use the General Election campaign to urge the Scottish Government to cap bus fare journeys at £2.

The scheme is currently in effect for single journeys south of the border, excluding London, and is so far expected to run until the end of 2024.

However, with transport devolved to Scotland, Mr Ross will urge the SNP-led Scottish Government to “get on board” with the plans currently in place in England.

The SNP must get on board with reducing the cost of travel for Scottish people struggling financially after the global cost-of-living crisis

Douglas Ross

During a visit to a bus depot in Glasgow ahead of the first General Election TV debate, Mr Ross said his party will demand the SNP focus on the priorities of Scotland, including “improving public transport”.

Mr Ross said: “Our manifesto will include proposals to save people money and improve Scotland’s public transport network.

“We would cap bus fares at £2 for a single fare so people can get to work or visit family more affordably.

“Reducing bus fares in the rest of the UK is helping save passengers money and encouraging more people to travel by bus.

“The SNP must get on board with reducing the cost of travel for Scottish people struggling financially after the global cost-of-living crisis.

“By voting Scottish Conservative on July 4, people up and down Scotland can help us beat the SNP and tell the nationalists to focus on their top priorities, such as improving public transport for commuters.”

The SNP has been asked for comment.