Historically, Scotland relied on waterways like rivers, lochs, and coastal routes for transportation. Canals such as the Caledonian Canal and the Forth and Clyde Canal played a vital role in trade and regional connectivity. During the Industrial Revolution, railways emerged, facilitating faster movement of goods and people across the country.

In the 20th century, road networks expanded, making private vehicles and buses popular. Scotland’s iconic bridges, like the Forth Bridge and the Erskine Bridge, symbolise efforts to improve accessibility. Today, Scotland has a well-developed road network, rail connections between major cities, extensive bus services, airports, and ferry services for international connections.

Powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament:

The Scottish Parliament possesses the power to legislate and make decisions regarding transport policies, including local transport, bus services and the regulation of specific aspects of the railways. It can make impactful choices that affect the development and improvement of infrastructure, public transportation, road safety and environment considerations.

• Rail services: franchise management and setting policy objectives, but infrastructure decisions remain with the UK government and Network Rail.
• Bus services: authority to regulate and govern bus operations through legislation, oversee franchise management, allocate funding and subsidies to support services, promote accessibility and integration within the bus network. It also ensures inclusive and accessible bus services, fostering coordination with other modes of transportation to create a comprehensive and efficient public transportation system.
• Local transport: sets policies, allocates funding, and regulates local transport, aiming to improve connectivity, promote active travel, and coordinate transportation modes in Scotland. Collaboration with local authorities and consideration of environmental factors are key aspects of its responsibilities.
• Ferries: regulates and manages ferry services in Scotland, including franchise management, funding, infrastructure development, and enhancing connectivity and service quality.
• Transport planning and strategy: Develop and implement long-term transport strategies and plans for Scotland, considering connectivity, sustainability and economic development, it promotes seamless integration between different modes of transport to improve the overall efficiency and convenience.
• Road safety and regulation: enacts legislation, manages road infrastructure, and collaborates with stakeholders to ensure compliance and promote awareness in Scotland.

While the Scottish Parliament has substantial powers in these transport related areas, there are limitations to its authority in certain matters.

Powers reserved by the UK Parliament:

The UK parliament still has authority over certain aspects of transport policy and regulation. This includes international transport such as international aviation agreements, shipping regulations and cross border transport policies.

Strategic transport planning and cross boarder rail services including the operation and regulation of cross-border rail services, such as those between Scotland and England, are subject to UK Parliament legislation and agreements. The UK parliament also has authority over large scale infrastructure projects that span multiple regions or have significant national impact, such as high-speed rail; maritime safety and security; the transport of radioactive material; and driving and vehicle certification.