Campaigners call for fully integrated Scottish transport system following COP 26 success
Protests were held in Glasgow on Wednesday
Last updated 10th Nov 2021
Campaigners have called on the Scottish government to create a fully integrated transport system in the wake of the COP 26 Climate Conference.
Delegates attending the conference were given a travel pass, allowing free transport on buses, trains and the subway around Glasgow.
Protests were held in George Square in the city on Wednesday to highlight the need for a similar smartcard system for the whole of Scotland.
Parts of the Scottish transport network do use smartcard systems. However, there is currently no integrated card system for all public transport users across the network.
Recently, the Scottish government had announced an extension of free bus travel to everyone under the age of 22.
In addition, the government is conducting a "fair fares review", which will take an integrated approach to public transport in Scotland.
The demonstration comes as COP 26 focuses on transport and how to reduce carbon emissions, making travel greener.
Other cities in the UK are also making attempts to create an integrated transport system. Manchester is aiming to have its own integrated bus, tram and train network by 2030.
Reaction to the protests
Ellie Harrison, from the Get Glasgow Moving campaign group, said: "With political will and funding you can do anything.
"It's disgraceful that Glasgow city council and the Scottish Government have presided over such a diabolical system for so long.
"We don't need any more reviews, we've been banging on about this for years, what we need is action."
A Transport Scotland spokesman said that the Scottish Government "is taking forward a comprehensive suite of measures to promote more sustainable, affordable public transport journeys and deprioritise car use".
He stated that smartcard systems had been strengthened by the Transport (Scotland) Act, and that the Scottish Government would work with its partners "to ensure connectivity, affordability and accessibility continue to be at the forefront of our transport system."