Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Latest transport updates and news, as well as useful links to other websites for travel advice and information.
We’re working with transport operators and other partner organisations across Scotland to support the Scottish Government’s response to COVID-19
Travelling during COVID-19
As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, it's important to stay up to date with travel advice.
Scotland’s strategic framework
A five-level framework which will allow for a refreshed strategic approach to suppressing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks across Scotland was published on Friday 23 October.
The framework indicates different levels of protection that might be needed based on different levels of transmission for the virus. It will allow for rapid but proportionate responses on both a local and national basis using a transparent range of measures and options.
Read about Scotland's strategic framework in full.
New moves to stop COVID-19 spread
Further measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) are to come into effect later this week as Scotland recorded more than 1,000 new positive test results in a single day. The measures include an update on travelling to and from the Central Belt.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told parliament that actions are needed now to prevent a return to the peak level of infections experienced in spring by the end of this month.
- Read more about the measures announced on 7 October
- Read the First Minister's speech from 7 October in full
New measures to drive down infection rate
Further measures to protect the population from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been announced by the First Minister as Scotland faces an upsurge in cases.
The new restrictions focus on no household visits and a 10pm closing time for all hospitality settings. New guidance on car sharing is also included.
- Read about the new measures in more detail - 22 September
- Read the First Minister's address to the nation on 22 September
Protecting Scotland, Renewing Scotland
Ensuring Scotland’s economic, health, and social recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is the focus of this year’s Programme for Government.
Speaking in Parliament, the First Minister said the Scottish Government would prioritise work to suppress the virus – building on its commitment to COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and surveillance.
The COVID-19 response will be bolstered with the launch of Protect Scotland, a new proximity tracing app, later on in September. The app will add an additional means of notifying people that they may have been exposed to the virus and that they should isolate to prevent onward transmission.
The First Minister also set out the government’s plans for renewal while ensuring a green recovery is at the heart of the economic recovery, with job creation, support for health and wellbeing and work to tackle inequalities all high on the agenda.
Transport Transition Plan published
New guidance for passengers and operators in Scotland was announced on 26 May by Transport Secretary Michael Matheson, as part of the Transport Transition Plan.
Face coverings mandatory on public transport from 22 June
Face coverings will become mandatory on public transport from Monday 22 June, as part of operators’ preparations for progress towards recovery and to reduce the risk of transmission.
It will apply to all passengers and staff in public areas, although there will be exemptions especially for those who are not able to wear a face covering for specific medical reasons. Children under five will also be exempt.
Latest transport news
- Further £52.6 million to maintain bus services
- Further support for Glasgow Subway and Edinburgh Trams
- £7 million to upgrade public, school and community transport
- Back to school travel
- Further £63 million to maintain bus services
- Ambitious plans to transform Scottish rail network unveiled
- Success for £30 million pop-up infrastructure initiative
- £10 million for pop-up bus priority infrastructure in Scotland
- Ferry travel advice
- Opportunity to change Scotland’s travel habits
- Emergency support for Glasgow Subway and Edinburgh Trams
- E-bikes to help charge Scotland’s green recovery
- £1.7 million in Cycling Friendly funding available in 2020
Latest news from the Scottish Government
23 October 2020
21 October 2020
20 October 2020
15 October 2020
6 October 2020
2 October 2020
1 October 2020
30 September 2020
29 September 2020
27 September 2020
24 September 2020
23 September 2020
- COVID-19 spending reaches £6.5bn
- First Minister calls for urgent four nation coronavirus talks
- First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s address on Coronavirus measures
10 September 2020
- Further quarantine measures introduced for travellers
- Health guidance for students
- Regenerating communities