Glasgow to Launch Free Public Transport Pilot in 2026

Glasgow City Council has confirmed that a pilot scheme offering free public transport to residents will begin in early 2026, following more than 18 months of uncertainty about the project’s future.

Councillor Angus Millar announced that around 1,000 Glasgow residents will take part in the six-week trial, responding to a question raised by Scottish Greens councillor and transport spokesperson Christy Mearns, according to the Glasgow Times.

Reacting to the confirmation, Mearns said the initiative could have a significant impact on local communities:

“Glasgow has one of the lowest rates of car ownership in Scotland, so this scheme could be life-changing for people facing poverty or social isolation. I hope it will be the start of expanding free public transport across the city in the future.“Achieving net zero by 2030 will require bold and forward-thinking measures — and this is exactly the kind of action that can make a difference. By tackling the climate crisis with practical, progressive policies, we’re also improving everyday life for Glaswegians.“The Greens have already delivered free bus travel for everyone under 22 across Scotland, with millions of journeys made under that scheme. This pilot builds on that progress to make our city cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable.”

The announcement follows several years of policy development, originating from a 2021 recommendation by the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Commission, which advised assessing whether free public transport could reduce carbon emissions and improve social inclusion.

Funding for the pilot was initially secured during budget negotiations led by Green councillors two years ago, with additional funding confirmed in 2024 to bring the scheme to life.

While an exact launch date has yet to be revealed, officials say that if the trial proves successful, it could pave the way for free public transport to be rolled out more widely across Scotland in the coming years.