Transport Secretary comments on weekly transport trends data

Commenting on the publication of weekly transport trends data, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure & Connectivity Michael Matheson said:

“The latest figures show that people are currently making 1.8 trips per person per day. This compares to a typical average of 2.7 trips per person per day. Travel is down across all modes apart from cycling which is higher compared to last year. 

“As we progress through Phase 2, we have confirmed that the travel distance guidance for leisure and recreation will be lifted from Friday 3 July – but for now please continue to stay local.

“While our guidance will be changing and as more of the economy re-opens, the pressures on our public transport network as a result of physical distancing has not. Capacity is significantly reduced and so what we’re asking of people remains the same.

“If you can work from home, please do. Continue to stay local and walk, wheel or cycle where possible. If you need to use public transport, please plan ahead and try to avoid peak times if you can. By doing so – we can all help manage demand on our transport system and keep Scotland moving.

“If using public transport, please remember that the use of a face covering is now mandatory, and it remains as important as ever to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene.

“We all have a responsibility to think about how we travel and when we travel in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to help manage demand on our public transport network.”

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 at www.bit.ly/2VPuo31