Scotland’s bus ridership drops 31% under SNP, activists push for public ownership

Statistics released this one outlet reveal that Scotland’s local bus passenger journeys have dropped from 484 million in 2008-09 to 334 million in 2024-25, a reduction of roughly 150 million trips and about 410,000 fewer journeys each day. The decline, which campaigners attribute to decades of fare increases and service cuts by private firms, has intensified pressure on First Minister John Swinney to broaden his franchising programme to include outright public ownership.

Environmental groups note that transport emissions have risen, now representing 28% of Scotland’s climate output, underscoring the sector’s role as the nation’s top polluter. The SNP government points to a £3 billion transport investment package, free travel for under-22s, and a £2 fare cap, with plans to extend benefits to Aberdeen and introduce a nationwide cap by the end of the Parliament. Research commissioned by the Just Transition Partnership and the Centre for Local Economies recommends creating a public-ownership unit, funding a bus transition programme, and mandating public or not-for-profit delivery for heat networks. Advocates such as Emily Donnelly of Friends of the Earth Scotland and Roz Foyer of the STUC argue that public ownership would cut emissions, create jobs and retain community wealth.