Better Buses
Buses are a lifeline, connecting our communities and cutting climate emissions. But our buses are all-too-often unreliable, inaccessible and unaffordable.
Better Buses is a community organising campaign to win regional public control over our buses. By doing so we can win a bus network that cuts inequality, cuts pollution and connects isolated people and communities.
We can get public control back over our buses so that they meet the needs of our communities.
Our bus system needs to change
Scotland’s bus network is in long-term decline with jobs cut and fewer and fewer of us able to take the bus. Privatisation has created a fragmented, fragile system where in most parts of Scotland private companies are making millions from overpriced, unreliable services. Transport emissions remain our biggest source of climate pollution.
Building on wins
We can win transport justice. In 2025 campaigners in Strathclyde won a landmark victory to get public control back over the buses. In this campaign we will replicate this achievement and set the stage to win further struggles that improve lives in Scotland and protect our environment.
Why should you run this campaign?
- This campaign can harness anger over poor-quality privatised services to win tangible improvements in our buses, making our communities wealthier, greener and more connected.
- This campaign can create hope by building a vision of a just transport system run in the service of communities.
- This campaign can be a vehicle for us to get organised for transport and environmental justice in our neighbourhoods, towns and cities, regions and nationally.
Get involved in the campaign
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Join our mailing listLatest Blogs
We can’t wait for better buses
Are you feeling fed up with having to wait too long for an unreliable bus service? And forking out for fares which cost too much and seem to rise every single year?
Bringing buses back into public control
Paul Shaw, Campaign Officer at Better Buses for Strathclyde, discusses the campaign to bring buses back into public ownership.
What’s happened with Scotland’s transport this year?
We look at the progress that’s been made in improving public transport and reducing car use in Scotland this year.
Latest Press Releases
End of peak fares shows ‘how climate action can improve lives’
The move shows how public ownership can keep fares low, benefit passengers and help support the necessary shift away from cars.
Scottish Government ditches climate commitment to reduce car use
John Swinney’s leadership to date has been characterised by a chronic failure to deliver on climate promises to the public.
‘Litany of broken climate promises’ by Scottish Government
Just 3 of 19 promised climate ‘catch up measures’ have been delivered by Ministers.
Resources
Response to Scottish Government consultation on Draft Climate Change Plan
The Plan is lacking in both detail and policy and does not represent a robust route to meeting climate goals. The next Scottish Government must go further than the policies outlined in this CCP if it wishes to tackle the climate emergency in a just and equitable way.
Annual Review 2022-2023
Report: On the Move – Investing in public transport
This report looks at the level of investment that is needed in public transport to meet our climate targets and create jobs.
Community Bus Fund Briefing
National Planning Framework 4 Consultation Response
A manifesto for local authorities – 2022 Council Elections
This manifesto sets out some of the priorities for action that parties should champion in their manifestos, and the policies that should be taken to deliver them.
Walking and Cycling
Travelling by walking and cycling means reduced pollution and carbon emissions, and brings benefits for our physical and mental health.
What is a Low Emission Zone?
Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are areas in town or city centres where the most polluting vehicles are restricted from entering.
Help make more impact
Take Action Online
Sign our latest petitions and e-actions. Change comes when we unite.
Donate
We can only make positive changes happens because people like you care enough to take action. Consider backing our work with a donation.
Events
Find out and register for our latest environmental events across Scotland and online.