The final report makes 45 recommendations – 38 of which are already underway, including:

• Mass transit in our biggest city regions: Clyde Metro represents a multi-billion investment over a 30 year period which, when complete, could better connect more than 1.5 million people to employment, education and health services in and around Glasgow.
• Rural transport and island communities: As well as significant investment in port infrastructure and strategic road connections, STPR2 recommends the further investigation of potential fixed link connections at the Sound of Harris and Barra, and between Mull and the Scottish mainland.
• Decarbonisation of public transport: Transport is Scotland’s biggest carbon emitter and STPR2 recommends making funds available for ferry, rail and bus decarbonisation as well as zero emission vehicles, improving facilities for sustainable freight and behavioural change.
• Improving active travel infrastructure: encouraging more people to walk, wheel and cycle more often; cutting carbon emissions and improving health and wellbeing, particularly of children, while supporting sustainable economic growth.

A Delivery Plan to provide further insight on the prioritisation of the STPR2 recommendations will follow in the new year, when there is more clarity and greater certainty on the available capital budget and fiscal policy for the coming years.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, and Honorary CIHT Fellow, Michael Matheson said:

“The final publication of STPR2 represents a key milestone for transport planning in Scotland, setting out a 20 year framework for capital investment to drive the change we need to reach our ambitious – and essential – net zero goals.

“The era where catering for unconstrained growth in private car use is well and truly over. The majority of the 45 recommendations contribute directly towards achieving emissions reduction, and I’m pleased that significant progress is already being made on many of these.

“Delivering the level of investment set out in STPR2 will enhance accessibility for residents, visitors and businesses; improve connectivity with sustainable, smart and cleaner transport options; and highlight the vital contribution transport can make to Scotland’s economic growth.”

CIHT responded to the STPR2 consultation earlier this year, see our submission here.