Councillor backs appeal for free public transport
POLITICIANS have backed c a l l s for f ree publ ic transport to be introduced across Glasgow in a bid to help the city’s economy recover from coronavirus.
As reported in our sister title The Herald, the Free Our City campaign has been launched by Get Glasgow Moving with the aim of cutting car use and providing jobs, while also encouraging residents to get out and about.
Glasgow City Council said last month it was not “actively exploring” the idea as it “isn’t viable” under current regulatory frameworks.
However, Councillor Paul Carey has urged the local authority to reconsider and called on the Scottish Government to assist in the matter.
He said: “For a number of years now, myself and many of my colleagues have campaigned for free public transport.
“This would help businesses with increased footfall and it would also help the public transport in this country to recover.”
It comes after the Scottish Government launched a consultation for free transport for under- 19s.
The six- week review will run until November 7 and it’s hoped the scheme would come into effect late next year.
A spokesman for the council said: “Increasing access to free public transport is one of a number of options currently
being widely explored as a way to improve public transport. “Ultimately any investment in public transport must be focused on providing the best possible service for passengers. A sustainable public transport system must have a central role in our efforts to tackle climate change.” A Transport Scotland spokesman added: “While the Covid- 19 outbreak has created unprecedented pressures on the priorities of government, the vision proposed through the National Transport Strategy for a fairer
and greener transport system remains as relevant in guiding our actions through and out of this crisis as it does for the protection of our climate and for our future sustainable economic growth. Over a third of people already benefit from free bus travel in Scotland.
“The proposed extension of free bus travel to approximately 770,000 young people will deliver on the budget agreement, as reaffirmed in the recent Programme for Government.
“At the same time, the proposals help realise the vision proposed through the National Transport Strategy – contributing to a transport system with reduced inequalities and one that advances equality of opportunity.”