The complexity of rail fares, traffic delaying buses and trams, and poor public transport connections have been highlighted among major travel grumbles by a new travellers’ panel that has been formed by The Scotsman. However, the group praised the expansion of long-distance coaches services, free bus travel for unde-22s, and the helpfulness of train and bus staff. The initial 11 members of the panel were invited to join for their knowledge and expertise of transport in Scotland, and include campaigners, former senior industry executives and consultants.
Among them are Joan Aitken, a former Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, who regulated buses, rail author David Spaven, and recently retired transport consultant Donald Stirling. The informal panel has been formed to help The Scotsman feature the best and worst of Scottish transport by telling us their pet peeves, top tips, and brilliant - and bad - service. Interested readers are welcome to apply to join the panel - please email [email protected] with some details about yourself and your main travel likes and dislikes.
Alastair Dalton’s newsletter will bring you the best Transport stories and analysis from across Scotland The bewildering complexity of rail fares was among our panellists’ major dislikes, including how to get the best deal. Gripes included the need to buy multiple - or “split” tickets - to secure the lowest fare for some journeys, and the difficulty of finding ScotRail’s £1 “Kids for a Quid” tic.