Travel Less by Car

Transport is Scotland’s biggest contributor to climate change, especially cars. To achieve net zero, not only do we need to decarbonise travel at a national level, we all need to leave our cars at home more and choose sustainable travel options like walking, wheeling, cycling, getting the bus, and other shared transport.

WHY SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL MATTERS

Transport is Scotland’s biggest contributor to climate change.

But if the coronavirus has taught us anything it’s that we can change the way we do things very quickly.

Transport Scotland monitored trends throughout the pandemic and saw significant decreases in car use, whilst Cycling Scotland also reported massive increases in the number of people cycling. A NatureScot lockdown survey saw people report health and wellbeing benefits after spending time outdoors.

30.7%

Transport accounted for 30.7% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019

By continuing to choose active and sustainable travel options in our everyday lives, we’ll help to tackle climate change and decrease congestion and pollution from cars, benefitting communities up and down the country with cleaner, fresher air.

Together we can all play our part to help improve Scotland’s environment and reach net zero emissions.

39%

Of these transport emissions, 39% came from cars.

WHAT SCOTLAND IS DOING

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Better roads and paths

Scotland’s active travel vision is that by 2030 walking or cycling will be the most popular choice for shorter everyday journeys.

Not only will this cut carbon emissions and other pollution, but it will give us more pleasant communities to live in, improve our health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities, and support sustainable economic growth. 

Funding for active travel in Scotland is now at record levels. The Scottish Government has committed to spend at least £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget, on active travel before 2025 (up from £39 million in 2017/18). We’re investing in high-quality roads and paths across Scotland, to make it easier for people to walk, wheel, and cycle to where they need to go.

Find out more at www.transport.gov.scot/activenation

Better roads

20 Minute Neighbourhoods

We’re working to develop ‘20 minute neighbourhoods’, which means people being able to meet most of their essential needs – such as leisure activities, school, healthcare, and ideally work – all within a 20 minute walk.

Find out more at www.ourplace.scot/case-studies

Minute neighbourhoods

Bus Travel

Over 2.3 million people in Scotland – including everyone under 22, those 60 and over, and people with disabilities – can now benefit from free bus travel, saving money and the planet.

Find out more about the benefits of bus at freebus.scot

Bus Travel

Decarbonise travel

We're working towards decarbonising buses, HGVs, ferries, rail travel, and scheduled flights within Scotland, to help tackle the climate emergency.

Find out more at www.transport.gov.scot/missionzero.

Decarbonise travel

Resources and links

Transport Scotland

Find out more about Active Travel at Transport Scotland


Sustrans

Find out about the work of Sustrans


Cycling Scotland

Get Cycling - Cycling Scotland


Way to Work Scotland

Find workplace support and resources on Active Travel


Living Streets

Living Streets | Home Page | Living Streets


Forth Environment Link

Forth Environment Link


Visit Transport Scotland, the national transport agency for Scotland, for more information on public transport

Public Transport Policies and Schemes in Scotland


Traveline Scotland Journey Planner

Traveline Scotland - Public transport information


Traveline Scotland guidance for public transport during COVID-19

Coronavirus COVID-19 - Scottish public transport alterations | Traveline Scotland


Scotrail

Train Tickets | Times & Timetables | Fares in Scotland | ScotRail


Smart Travel Scotland for information on using smart technology to travel

Smart Travel Scotland | The Smart Way to Travel on Public Transport