Glasgow is trialing free public travel for 1000 people for nine weeks to assess the feasibility.
A study previously explored this idea and found a smart card ticket was possible. The bus, train, and subway would all work, and this trial could last for nine weeks.
The study also suggested including adults aged 22 to 59. However, the council still needs to release specific details, therefore we don’t know exactly when it starts or how it works.
Giving everyone age 22 to 59 free transport is costly, as it would require about £95.7 million, excluding administrative expenses. This cost is only for nine weeks.
The council calls this Scotland’s first free transport pilot. It will allow one thousand adults to get free transport to test social, environmental, and economic advantages.
Stantec Limited conducted the study for the council last year. The pilot aims to understand the benefits and costs, and this data will inform future policy. It could even lead to a larger rollout of the program.
The council wants to reduce car travel by 30 percent by 2030; they also want to reach net zero emissions by that time. More public transport use can achieve this, and cycling and walking also help.