BUS operators can opt out of the £2 fare cap scheme across Greater Glasgow and the west of Scotland, the Government has confirmed.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said that the fare cap was “voluntary” and that letters offering grants for firms who choose to opt in were “now being issued”.
On Tuesday, the Scottish Government announced that the £2 bus fare cap would be extended across the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) area from Monday, September 7.
From this coming Monday, we are extending the £2 bus fare cap to: 📍 Glasgow 📍 Ayrshire 📍 Inverclyde 📍 Lanarkshire 📍 Renfrewshire 📍 Dunbartonshire It's already in place in the Highlands and Islands and we will roll it out nationwide. That's what you get with the SNP. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/um36O46i0w
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) September 1, 2026
First Minister John Swinney said: “From this coming Monday, we are extending the £2 bus fare cap to: Glasgow, Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Dunbartonshire.
“It's already in place in the Highlands and Islands and we will roll it out nationwide. That's what you get with the SNP.”
However, the Confederation of Passenger Transport Scotland (CPT Scotland) said that the announcement had come before operators had committed to the scheme.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that discussions around which operators would take part in the price cap were still ongoing, and that premium fare services – such as night buses – are excluded.
Transport Scotland said: “We have engaged closely with bus operators on the £2 fare cap scheme and grant offer letters are now being issued.
“Participation in the scheme is voluntary and operators will make their own decisions on joining based on the terms offered.
“The cost of living remains one of the biggest challenges facing households across Scotland, which is why making public transport more affordable through the £2 bus fare cap is such an important priority for the Scottish Government.
“The £2 bus fare will start this coming Monday morning with participating operators in the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport area.”
Details of the operators who will take part in the scheme will be announced ahead of the September 7 start date, the agency added.
It is understood that the cap will apply per bus, so a journey that requires a change of vehicles will be capped at £4, while two changes would be £6.
It is also understood that if only part of a journey is within the fare cap area, a customer will pay £2 for the eligible section and the normal fare for the remainder.
A CPT Scotland spokesperson said: “We welcome investment in bus services, and the £2 fare cap is an eye-catching initiative that could attract new passengers while helping existing customers manage the cost of travel.
“However, fares are only part of the picture. To deliver the reliable services passengers expect, we also need measures that keep buses out of congestion, improve journey times and reduce operating costs. Without action on bus speeds and reliability, a fares-only approach will not address the wider challenges facing the network.
"The First Minister’s confirmation of a September 7 launch date comes before Transport Scotland has provided operators with an opportunity to review or commit to the scheme.
"While there is apparently funding for this financial year, it is important that operators have early clarity about what comes next. This will allow them to plan services effectively and ensure the scheme supports the long-term sustainability of the bus network."
Later on Wednesday, it was confirmed that Stagecoach, Citylink, and McColl's have signed up to the scheme. Other operators are not yet confirmed.
