Outrage as free transport announced for COP delegates but nothing for Glasgow residents

Environmental campaigners have reacted angrily to the news that delegates to the UN climate talks in Glasgow will receive free public transport while they’re in the city, while no such offer will be available to any Glasgow residents. 

COP26, the UN climate talks, will take place in Glasgow on November 1st-12th. Delegates to the conference will include civil servants from governments, world leaders, diplomats and scientists. The Transport Plan, published on Friday, confirms that they will receive a smartcard that provides free access to all modes of public transport in Glasgow.

Gavin Thomson, transport campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:

“It’s outrageous that delegates in Glasgow will receive free public transport while residents get nothing. This is going to be an enormous conference, which will likely result in delays for residents. What’s more, delegates will receive a smart card which provides access to every mode of transport. This is streets ahead of any device available for residents who have to pay full fare.

“Between the UN, the UK Government, the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council, surely they can get this sorted. If it can be done for delegates, it can be done for everyone. Free public transport should be made available for everyone in Glasgow for the first two weeks of November.

“Transport is Scotland’s biggest source of climate emissions. Taking action on climate has to mean improving our public transport, making it more reliable and affordable while taking cars off the road. COP would be a perfect opportunity to make public transport more attractive, by making it free. Instead, Glasgow’s transport will be just as expensive as always and even less reliable due to the scale of the conference.”