Scottish Government pledge £55m to improve bus services

The Scottish Government has pledged £55m to improve bus services across Scotland.

The funding will be used to improve the reliability, accessibility and efficiency of services.

Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn confirmed the funding ahead of meeting with bus service representatives.

The roundtable will host representatives of bus operators, local transport authorities and passenger groups to discuss proposals for legislation to improve bus services across Scotland.

Mr Flynn said: “The public rightly want and expect their buses to run on time, which is why the Scottish Government is investing £55m in the infrastructure to help make that happen.

“This investment will help local authorities deliver the bus priority measures, passenger facilities and wider improvements they believe are needed to make their local bus services more reliable.

“This is just the start of our ambitious plans for the sector – we want all journeys to be more affordable and for bus services in every community across Scotland to be better.

“That’s why I am bringing the entire sector together – passengers, operators and transport authorities alike – to see how new legislation can help deliver on those shared aims.”

The Bus Infrastructure Fund will provide £55m of capital funding in 2026-27, an increase from £20m in 2025-26.

It is part of the Scottish Government’s aims to increase bus patronage and encourage a shift away from private car use.

Paul White, director of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Scotland, said: “CPT welcomes the launch of the 2026/27 round of the Scottish Government’s Bus Infrastructure Fund.

“Investing in measures that help buses move more quickly and reliably is vital if we are to make bus travel an even more attractive choice for people across Scotland.

“Bus priority and other targeted infrastructure improvements can reduce delays, improve journey times and give passengers greater confidence that their bus will get them where they need to be, when they need to be there.

“We look forward to seeing this funding support practical schemes that deliver real and lasting benefits for bus users and communities across the country.”