Free public transport trial launches in Glasgow

Residents will be offered free travel on buses, trains and the subway as part of a seven-week pilot scheme. 

Launched at the beginning of this week, the initiative saw 500 people start using complimentary ZoneCards issued by Glasgow City Council. 

Participants were selected through community groups and support organisations, with priority given to those considered most likely to face barriers to travel, including the cost of fares. 

Some people were also chosen due to healthcare needs or requirements to access key services. 

The scheme, which is set to run until 29th March, covers services operated by FirstBus, Stagecoach, the Glasgow Subway and ScotRail across the city region.

In return for free travel, participants have agreed to provide feedback to help the council assess how removing fares affects travel behaviour. The local authority said it hopes to gather evidence on whether cost-free public transport can improve access to employment, education and healthcare. 

Proposed by the Scottish Green Party group, the party has described the initiative as a ‘gamechanger’ for residents on low incomes and for efforts to reduce carbon emissions. 

Councillor Christy Mearns, the Greens’ transport spokesperson, said the pilot would ‘demonstrate the transformative effect of making transport more accessible’. 

‘With so many people unable to use public transport in ways that suit them due to cost, and given that many do not have access to a car, it’s imperative that we challenge this head on,’ she continued. 

‘Transport is a significant contributor to emissions, so making public transport free has the potential to support both household budgets and climate goals.’ 

A number of cities and countries have introduced similar measures. Hasselt in Belgium scrapped bus fares in 1997 and reported a sharp rise in passenger numbers in subsequent years. Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, introduced free public transport in 2013 following a public vote.

More recently, Belgrade announced fare-free travel for its residents, while Luxembourg abolished fares for public transport nationwide in 2020. 

Image: Pau Casals/UnSplash 

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