Today’s UK Spending Review, including the announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves of £15.6 billion in new investment for local transport infrastructure in England, marks a major step forward for public transport south of the Border.
Much of this funding will support improvements in bus, light rail, and metro systems in England’s urban centres — a clear sign that public transport is being recognised as essential to economic growth, sustainability, and social mobility.
As Scotland is due to receive a share of this funding via the Barnett Formula, there is now a vital opportunity for the Scottish Government to invest meaningfully in transforming its own public transport network.
Transform Scotland director Colin Howden said:
“Reinstating the cancelled £500 million Bus Partnership Fund must be a top priority. Bus priority measures are the most immediate and cost-effective way to increase bus patronage across Scotland. With rising congestion and a pressing need for low-carbon transport options, this funding is essential to delivering faster, more reliable bus services.
“Scotland must also match England’s ambition on light rail. Major investment in projects such as the Glasgow Metro and further expansion of the Edinburgh Tram network is overdue. Edinburgh, as Scotland’s fastest-growing city and a key economic hub, deserves a modern, extensive tram system that serves the wider region.
“On the railways, we welcome the progress made in the Central Belt, but urgent attention is now needed for routes to the north. Current limitations in rail capacity and slow journey times hamper both passenger and freight growth. If Scotland is to meet its climate and modal shift targets, significant upgrades to northern rail lines must be prioritised. The potential is clear — with over 1,500 HGVs using the A9 daily, improved rail freight capacity could deliver a major shift in how goods move across the country.
“Scotland has a chance to lead on clean, modern, inclusive transport. We urge the Scottish Government to seize this opportunity and put public transport at the heart of its investment strategy — for the benefit of people, the economy, and the environment.”
