Travel Less by Car
Transport is Scotland’s biggest contributor to climate change, especially cars. To achieve net zero, not only do we need to decarbonise travel at a national level, but we all need to drive less and choose sustainable travel options. Walking, wheeling, cycling, getting the bus or using other shared transport can benefit you by making journeys more social and boost your wellbeing.
Your Guides
Reducing your car journeys
By rethinking how you use your car and reducing the number of daily journeys you take, you can help make Scotland a healthier, fairer, greener place to live.
Starting a conversation about sustainable travel
Chatting to others about how you travel can help to normalise making more planet-friendly decisions when it comes to getting around.
Getting started with cycling
Cycling has so many benefits. Here’s how to get started with this healthier and happier way to travel.
Help with the cost of a bike
To help more people in Scotland choose cycling instead of the car for shorter journeys, the Scottish Government has made funding available
Making the most of your walk
Choosing to walk instead of taking the car for shorter journeys gives you fresh air to clear your head and reduces congestion and pollution.
Benefits of public transport
Choosing public transport is a great way to take climate action, save you money and support healthier and happier communities.
Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel
Under 22-year-olds can now sign up for the Scottish Government’s Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel scheme. Find out more and sign-up today.
Big Car Cool Off
As part of Scotland’s Climate Week (starting Monday 25 September) we are challenging drivers across Scotland to use their car less and feel good with The Big Car Cool Off.
Whether that’s improving wellbeing and spending less money on fuel by walking or wheeling to the shops, avoiding traffic and parking costs by taking public transport or catching up with a colleague on a car share to work.
WHY SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL MATTERS
Transport is Scotland’s biggest contributor to climate change.
But if the coronavirus has taught us anything it’s that we can change the way we do things very quickly.
Transport Scotland monitored trends throughout the pandemic and saw significant decreases in car use, whilst Cycling Scotland also reported massive increases in the number of people cycling. A NatureScot lockdown survey saw people report health and wellbeing benefits after spending time outdoors.
28%
Transport accounted for 28% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2021
By continuing to choose active and sustainable travel options in our everyday lives, we’ll help to tackle climate change and decrease congestion and pollution from cars, benefitting communities up and down the country with cleaner, fresher air.
Together we can all play our part to help improve Scotland’s environment and reach net zero emissions.
41%
Of these transport emissions, 41% came from cars.
WHAT SCOTLAND IS DOING
.
Better roads and paths
Scotland’s active travel vision is that by 2030 walking or cycling will be the most popular choice for shorter everyday journeys.
Not only will this cut carbon emissions and other pollution, but it will give us more pleasant communities to live in, improve our health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities, and support sustainable economic growth.
Funding for active travel in Scotland is now at record levels. The Scottish Government has committed to spend at least £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget, on active travel before 2025 (up from £39 million in 2017/18). We’re investing in high-quality roads and paths across Scotland, to make it easier for people to walk, wheel, and cycle to where they need to go.
20 Minute Neighbourhoods
We’re working to develop ‘20 minute neighbourhoods’, which means people being able to meet most of their essential needs – such as leisure activities, school, healthcare, and ideally work – all within a 20 minute walk.
Bus Travel
Over 2.3 million people in Scotland – including everyone under 22, those 60 and over, and people with disabilities – can now benefit from free bus travel, saving money and the planet.
Decarbonise travel
We're working towards decarbonising buses, HGVs, ferries, rail travel, and scheduled flights within Scotland, to help tackle the climate emergency.
Resources and links
Transport Scotland
Find out more about Active Travel at Transport Scotland
Sustrans
Find out about the work of Sustrans
Cycling Scotland
Get Cycling - Cycling Scotland
Way to Work Scotland
Find workplace support and resources on Active Travel
Living Streets
Living Streets | Home Page | Living Streets
Forth Environment Link
Visit Transport Scotland, the national transport agency for Scotland, for more information on public transport
Public Transport Policies and Schemes in Scotland
Traveline Scotland Journey Planner
Traveline Scotland - Public transport information
Scotrail
Train Tickets | Times & Timetables | Fares in Scotland | ScotRail
Smart Travel Scotland for information on using smart technology to travel
Smart Travel Scotland | The Smart Way to Travel on Public Transport
Take Action Starting Now
To achieve net zero by 2045, we must take action now. Start here to find ways that you can make changes in your life at home and on the go.
