Executive summary

Methodology

The International Benchmarking workstream was a desk-based exercise undertaken to collect data and evidence on policy interventions and examples of best practice adopted in other countries in relation to the delivery, funding, and integration of public transport services.

Findings

Public Transport Interventions adopted in response to the Cost-of-Living crisis and climate change / modal shift objectives

A common theme occurring across many of the interventions is that initial short term policy interventions have often end up being extended for a significantly longer period than was initially planned / announced, highlighting the importance of defined objectives, evaluation, and an exit strategy to manage stakeholder and public expectations being established prior to the introduction of any similar short-term measures in Scotland.

Public Transport International Case Studies

Identifies 12 international city regions widely regarded by stakeholders as demonstrating examples of best practice in the delivery, funding, and integration of public transport services, and sets out roles and responsibilities, funding and fares models adopted, private car journey demand management measures implemented, and the extent to which transport and land use planning is integrated. Common features present across virtually all examples are:

• the presence of a single “guiding mind” public transport planning authority that brings together a range of public and private operators to provide integrated timetabling and ticketing across all modes of public transport
• the general absence outside of the UK & Ireland of universal schemes providing access to free public transport to those meeting age related criteria. Instead, the trend is for concessionary schemes that provide discounted fares for all modes of public transport for a wider range of people (age related, unemployed, low income, student, asylum seeker)
• high levels of public and user satisfaction in relation to public transport.