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

Guidance on travelling within Scotland

We have published guidance intended to provide practical advice on travelling within Scotland.

In order to ease demand on the transport network, we encourage you to access goods, services and activities within your local area as much as possible by walking, wheeling or cycling if you can. Please plan ahead, timing your journey to avoid busy times and please think about your need to use public transport while capacity is constrained.

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.

Final Phase 2 measures confirmed

Provisions to allow children to play outdoors with friends, the introduction of exemptions to the two metre physical distancing rule, and mandatory use of face coverings in retail settings from Phase 3 are among measures announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday 2 July.

Public transport is one of the sectors and settings considered appropriate for an exception to the two metre rule.

Advice on the approach to physical distancing

Further route map detail announced

Provisional dates for the relaxation of travel restrictions, restarting of the hospitality industry and reopening of hairdressers are among further route map measures announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Setting out indicative dates, the First Minister stressed that while sustained progress has been made to suppress coronavirus, the changes remain contingent on scientific and public health advice.

Read more about the route map details announced on 24 June

Road construction and maintenance

Following the First Minister’s recent announcement regarding the construction restart, our maintenance contractors have started to plan the delivery of non-essential maintenance activities. Construction of our major projects is re-starting gradually in accordance with the Scottish Government route map and construction sector guidance.

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.

Read the announcement about mandatory face coverings on public transport

Stay safe, protect others, save lives

People are continuing to follow Government guidance and limit travel to essential journeys only.

See the latest statistics

It is important to follow advice to stay at home unless it is essential to go out. By doing this we can all help to reduce the spread of coronavirus, protect our NHS and save lives.

Scotland's transport sector thanks key workers and the NHS

The Scottish Government has been clear in advising that only essential travel should be undertaken at this time. This applies whether you are using public transport or walking, cycling or driving.

Limited public transport services continue to operate to ensure people who absolutely need to get to work can continue to do so. Visit Traveline Scotland or check with your operator for the latest information on services.

Scotland to move to Phase One of easing lockdown

The First Minister confirmed on 28 May that Scotland will now move to Phase One of easing the COVID-19 lockdown.

After working with representative bodies, employers and trade unions from the construction sector, updated guidance has been published to help construction restart safely and recover from the damaging impact of COVID-19:

Cabinet Secretary sets out latest transport response to Covid-19 outbreak

On 13 May, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson provided an update on progress towards delivering an effective transport system once the lockdown is lifted.

Mr Matheson has held meetings with representatives from across the transport sector including bus, rail, aviation and ferries, to discuss how operators can begin to bounce back from the impact of the outbreak.

£10 million to support pop-up active travel infrastructure

On 28 April, Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, delivered a speech to Scottish Parliament to update on the transport response to COVID-19.

To better enable physical distancing, he announced that the Scottish Government will fully fund a new infrastructure programme for pop-up walking and cycling routes or temporary improvements to existing routes. This will be supported by a package of guidance and support to local authorities from Transport Scotland and Sustrans Scotland for improvements such as widened pavements and cycle lanes.