Inception of the Fair Fares Review

On 20 August 2021, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party entered into the Bute House Agreement (BHA), a shared policy programme spanning five years to build a green economic recovery from Covid-19, respond to the climate emergency and create a fairer country.

Amongst other policy commitments, and in recognition of the issues highlighted above, the BHA confirmed that the Scottish Government would

commission a Fair Fares Review to ensure a sustainable and integrated approach to public transport fares. This will look at the range of discounts and concessionary schemes which are available on all modes including bus, rail and ferry. The review will consider options against a background where the costs of car travel are declining and public transport costs are increasing, exacerbating the impact on those living in poverty.”

Due to the continuing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fair Fares Review commenced in Spring 2022.