Transport Secretary comments on latest transport trends

Commenting on the publication of the latest transport trends by Transport Scotland, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:

“Travel is now at an average of 2.4 trips per person per day, which is the highest recorded average trip rate since lockdown. This is still lower than the typical average of 2.7 trips per person per day before COVID-19.

“With schools returning next week, many of our active travel partners have been asking people to think about choosing walking, wheeling and cycling for the school run wherever possible. I agree that by choosing active travel, it benefits our health, protects the environment and helps manage demand on public transport. We’ve invested £30 million through our Spaces for People initiative, so that local authorities can deliver temporary infrastructure, to support active travel and physical distancing.

“Due to physical distancing requirements, capacity on our public transport network is reduced from normal levels. As such, our guidance remains consistent on how we should be thinking about transport and travel.

“Please continue to work from home if you can. Walk, wheel or cycle wherever possible. If you do need to use public transport, please plan ahead and try to avoid peak times. Let’s leave space on public transport for those that need it most – practice good hand hygiene and remember that face coverings remain mandatory on public transport in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Advice on how to travel safely is available on the Transport Scotland website.

Full COVID-19 transport trend data and methodology is available on the Transport Scotland website.