The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee has endorsed plans to launch a 12-week public consultation on a proposed Highland Bus Service Improvement Partnership (BSIP), giving communities, passengers and stakeholders the opportunity to help shape the future of bus services across the region.
The consultation will seek views on draft proposals developed by The Highland Council in partnership with HITRANS and bus operators to improve the operational performance, accessibility, attractiveness and consistency of bus services across Highland.
Yesterday, (Thursday 20 August 2026) committee members noted progress made on developing the draft partnership since it was last reported in 2023 and agreed that officers should proceed with public consultation before any final decisions are made on the proposed partnership arrangements.
Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: "Reliable, accessible and attractive bus services are vital to many people across Highland, helping our communities stay connected to employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities.
"The Committee's support for this consultation is an important milestone in developing a long-term partnership approach to improving bus travel across the region.
"Following the decision today, an engagement plan will be prepared, and more details of the consultation will follow.”
The proposed Bus Service Improvement Partnership would provide a formal framework for The Highland Council, HITRANS and bus operators to work together to improve bus services across Highland. Initial proposed scheme areas are the Inner Moray Firth and Fort William and Lochaber, with the potential for further areas to be considered in future.
A further report will be brought back to Committee after the public consultation and continued engagement with operators before any final decision is taken on the proposed partnership.