Locals gathered in George Square this morning to call for the extension of free public transport, which has been made available to COP26 delegates, to all residents of Glasgow.
Trade union representatives and environmental campaigners spoke at the demonstration about how Scotland’s public transport system is failing to provide an alternative to car use, and the need for councils to use their new powers to start publicly owned bus companies in order to improve passenger numbers and reduce climate emissions.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Government revealed bus fares have risen by 58% above inflation since privatisation.
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Transport Campaigner Gavin Thomson said: “Transport is Scotland’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, which cause climate change. It’s vital that the Scottish Government and local councils take action on transport - without that there can be no meaningful action on the climate.
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"Councils have new powers to start publicly owned bus companies, which would help us restore lost routes and reduce car use.
“People in Glasgow are watching delegates use their free public transport pass and wondering why we can’t make that available to everyone. Free public transport should remain after the end of COP26, and be open to everyone.
“The people who came together in George Square this morning are tired of our misshapen, expensive public transport system. Bringing buses into public ownership and making them free at the point of use – like we do with health, education and other vital services – would be a huge step forward.
"If we run our buses in the public interest, we can create a comprehensive network that takes cars off the road, reduces emissions and improves air quality.”.
It comes amid COP26's Transport Day, where the summit discusses how to make travel greener.
The Scottish Government recently extended free bus travel to everyone under the age of 22 and is currently commissioning a "fair fares review" which will take an integrated approach to public transport.
