Proposed Public Transport Strategy aims to improve connectivity and sustainability across Highland

22nd May 2026

A new draft Public Transport Strategy for 2026–2036 will be considered by Members of the Economy & Infrastructure Committee on Thursday 28 May 2026, setting out an ambitious vision to strengthen and modernise public and community transport across Highland.

The proposed strategy builds on the Local Transport Strategy Delivery Plan agreed in February 2026 and responds to key challenges, including a shrinking local bus network, rising contract costs, and evolving travel patterns. It also reflects ongoing work with partners to improve services, including the development of a Bus Service Improvement Partnership (BSIP) and the continued expansion of The Highland Council Buses.

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “This draft strategy sets out a bold and forward-looking vision for public transport across the Highlands. It acknowledges the challenges we face, while clearly identifying the opportunities to strengthen connectivity, reduce emissions and deliver services that meet the evolving needs of our communities. Public consultation will be a crucial next step in shaping a transport system that is inclusive, resilient and fit for the future across our diverse Highland area.

“The introduction of a significant number of new routes by The Highland Council, alongside the strategic move to bring transport businesses into Council ownership, marks a step change in our approach. Together, these investments are laying strong foundations for a more reliable, integrated and community-focused public transport network for the Highlands.”

At its core, the strategy is designed to make public transport more accessible and sustainable. It is structured around five key priorities:

Improving access and inclusion for all communities.
Creating a more integrated transport network with better interchanges.
Delivering more direct and reliable bus routes.
Introducing fairer and simpler fares, including a £2 fare cap pilot.
Accelerating decarbonisation of the Highland Council transport fleet.


The draft strategy also outlines a renewed approach to how services are planned and delivered, with a stronger emphasis on route design, service quality and passenger needs. Both Council operated services and external contracts will continue to play vital roles, alongside expanded support for community transport.

A key focus will be improving connectivity in rural and remote areas, ensuring people can access employment, education, healthcare and essential services. The strategy also promotes closer working with partners, including NHS Highland, to make better use of vehicles and resources and expand flexible, demand-responsive transport options and extending free under-22 to ferry travel.

Investment in infrastructure from bus shelters and stops to mobility hubs and integrated interchanges which are highlighted as essential to improving the passenger experience and encouraging greater use of public transport.

If approved for consultation, the strategy will be shaped further through engagement with communities, stakeholders and partners before being finalised.

Members will be asked to approve the draft strategy for consultation, alongside proposals to support community transport development and create a more phased approach to future transport contract renewals.

Comment
So is this real decision making or just another kick into touch - a consultation then another community engagement programme. Councillors were elected to make decisions so should they not get on with it. Can we really afford to wait on consultations and community engagement grinding ever onwards until we reach decision in two or more years time if then. As example we give you maternity consultations, Wick and Thurso hubs consultations that seemed to have stretched out longer than World Wars. Ok that was health but the reality is public bodies seem ok to put off decisions. Hiding behind an array of ways to delay. Just be honest and say there is no money.

 

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