Glasgow free public transport pilot saw 51,416 journeys in seven weeks
Nearly 1,000 residents aged 22 to 59 were given free ZoneCards for buses, ScotRail trains and the Subway. Among regular drivers in the general public group, 45% switched most journeys to public transport.
A Subway train at Buchanan Street. Pilot participants had unlimited free travel on the Subway, buses and ScotRail trains. · Photograph: citytransportinfo (CC0)
A free public transport pilot in Glasgow enabled 51,416 journeys over seven weeks, according to results reported by the Glasgow Times.
The pilot, which ran earlier this year, gave nearly 1,000 residents aged 22 to 59 a free ZoneCard for unlimited travel on buses, ScotRail trains and the Subway across Glasgow and parts of neighbouring council areas.
Who took part in the pilot?
Nearly 1,000 residents aged 22 to 59 took part. Half were members of the general public. The rest were in a "Pathfinder/NHS" group recruited through community and NHS partners, made up of people facing greater financial and practical barriers to travel.
Did free travel get people out of their cars?
Yes, for many. Among the general public group, 45% of those who normally travelled by car said they switched most of their journeys to public transport during the pilot.
One participant said: "The cost-saving has been incredible. It's encouraged me to take public transport instead of driving my car which has saved me time and money."
What other benefits were reported?
Participants reported lower travel costs, more independence and more opportunities to explore the city and see family and friends. Many said they made journeys they would otherwise have missed or delayed because of cost, including trips to work, healthcare and essential services. One participant in the Pathfinder group said the ZoneCard had been "very helpful and convenient" for getting to job interviews.
What has the council said?
Councillor Angus Millar, Glasgow City Council's convener for transport and climate, said the pilot "shows the difference accessible and affordable transport can make to everyday life".
What happens next?
The council has not announced whether the pilot will be repeated or extended. The findings come as MSPs examine the cost of the £2 bus fare cap, which was extended to the Strathclyde area in September.