The Scottish Budget announced for this coming financial year saw slight increases for transport and strategic roads funding, as well as a boost for active travel.
For 2026-27, the Scottish Government plans to invest just shy of £4.3bn to ‘maintain and enhance Scotland's transport network'.
Out of this lump sum, £2.7bn is earmarked for public transport services and infrastructure, with another £1.2bn set aside for Scotland's strategic trunk road network, including major projects such as the A9 dualling programme. These figures are up on the 2025-2026 allocations, which saw £2.6bn for public transport and £1.1bn for the trunk road.
This year's budget will also see £4m put towards supporting local authorities in building business cases for local bus improvements through the use of franchising and powers created by the Transport Scotland Act 2019.
The devolved government also plans to invest £226m into active travel and bus infrastructure, as well as £85m for low-carbon programmes such as expanding public electric vehicle charging infrastructure and support for zero-emission vehicles.
Scott Runciman, Scotland advocacy lead at Cycling UK, said it was ‘positive news for walking, wheeling and cycling in Scotland'.
‘The rise in funding from £189m to £226m will reduce NHS costs, ease congestion, and provide people with the infrastructure to make more affordable journeys. This spending commitment clearly recognises the role active travel plays in creating healthier communities, stronger local economies and safer streets. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government to bring about these benefits.'
