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

We're now in Phase 3 of the Scottish Government's route map through and out of the COVID-19 crisis. With roads set to become busier and reduced capacity on public transport due to physical distancing, it's more important than ever to stay up to date with travel advice.

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.

Localised restrictions to continue

Stricter restrictions on meetings in indoor household settings will continue across Glasgow City, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire, as reported cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in these areas continues to be higher than the Scottish average.

Read the latest information on the localised restrictions

Localised restrictions extended to Lanarkshire

Restrictions on meetings in indoor household settings are to be extended to people living in Lanarkshire, following a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the areas.

The restrictions on indoor household gatherings will apply from midnight on Friday 11 September and will be the same as for those already in place for people living in Glasgow City, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire.

Read about the Lanarkshire restrictions in more detail

Maximum gathering set at six people from two households

The number of people who can gather together, indoors or outdoors, will be set at maximum of six from two households.

Moves announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be enforced from Monday 14 September, but people are urged to 'abide by these stricter new limits immediately.'

Read more about the new maximum gathering measures

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.

Read more about the Programme for Government 2020-21

Update on restrictions in West of Scotland

From midnight on Monday 7 September, restrictions on meetings in indoor household settings were extended to people living in Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire. There are currently limits on indoor gatherings for people living in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.

The restrictions follow a recent increase in the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

Read the update on restrictions in the West of Scotland from 7 September

Restrictions introduced across West of Scotland

Following an increase in the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire, additional restrictions will be introduced for people living in these areas for an initial two week period.

The restrictions on indoor gatherings came into effect from midnight on Tuesday 1 September.

Read about the restrictions across the West of Scotland in more detail

Timeline set out for lifting temporary restrictions in Aberdeen

The First Minister has set out a timeline for the lifting of travel restrictions, limits on indoor meetings and the opening of hospitality. From Monday 24 August the five-mile travel limit, restrictions on gatherings and limitations on hospital and care home visits will be lifted.

Read more about the timeline for lifting temporary restrictions in Aberdeen

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

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

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: