Investment to increase sustainable travel in Angus

Graeme Dey has welcomed the £3.14 billion investment.

An investment in public transport which will increase sustainable travel in the county has been welcomed by Angus South MSP Graeme Dey.

The cash injection of £3.4 billion was announced recently in the Scottish Government’s draft budget.

It includes £314 million to support a concessionary bus travel scheme from which older and disabled people are already benefiting, with £110 million earmarked specifically for expanding the scheme to under-22s in Angus and across Scotland. Legislative changes to allow the scheme to be extended ton include free travel for under-19s will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament in the summer of next year.

It also invests a record £150 million to support high quality active travel for people walking, wheeling and cycling in Angus, as well as £35 million in the next year to support Scotland’s Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund and £112 million to support a range of sustainable low and zero carbon transport initiatives.

The public will also benefit from an improved and decarbonised rail network which will be supported by almost £1.4 billion.

Mr Dey said: “The SNP Government is prioritising investing in a practical transport system that goes in tandem with our responsibility to end our contribution to climate change and meets the needs of people in Angus.

“We have set ourselves ambitious, world-leading targets to tackle the climate emergency and I am delighted that the Government is providing the investment needed to allow us to meet them - and take the bold but transitional steps we need to take to create a better and greener transport network for us all.

“So many people across Angus already benefit from free concessionary bus travel and expanding the scheme to young people under 22 will help establish positive sustainable travel habits in our younger generations. If we want more people across Angus choosing public or active travel options then we need to make it an easy, attractive choice.

“With almost £1.4 billion in 2022-23 for Scotland’s rail network and record investment for walking, wheeling and cycling of £150 million next year, this budget provides the largest transport investment programme that Scotland has ever seen, despite relentless Westminster budget cuts.”