HITRANS Regional Transport Strategy

The following StoryMap sets out the details of the HITRANS Regional Transport Strategy, which sets the strategic framework for the development of transport in the region over the next 20-years. It is split into five sections:

• Overview of the RTS development process
• A summary of the RTS Vision and Strategy Objectives
• A summary of the RTS Themes and Policies
• Provision of the Draft RTS and supporting documents
• A survey on the material presented

The StoryMap has been designed so that you can either read the entire document or selected sections only should you wish.  The survey provides an opportunity to comment on every RTS Theme and Policy, but you can also skip Themes in which you have less interest.

If you encounter any issues completing the survey or require the survey in an alternative format, please contact: Fiona Duncan –  Fiona.Duncan@stantec.com  or 0131 297 7019 or by sending a letter to the address below.

The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership Inverness Town House 1 High Street Inverness IV1 1JJ

Documents will also be made available in hard copy for inspection at this address.

The RTS has been developed in accordance with the principles of the refreshed  Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) .  There were three broad stages of development, as follows:

• Stage 1:  Initial Appraisal – ‘The Case for Change’ : this stage established the rationale for intervention and included the analysis of transport problems, issues, opportunities and constraints in the HITRANS region.  It also set the RTS Strategy Objectives, which reflect the above problems.
• Stage 2: Preliminary Appraisal: This stage involved the generation, development and appraisal of a long-list of transport options which could help resolve the problems identified and deliver the RTS Strategy Objectives.
• Stage 3: Draft Regional Transport Strategy: This stage collated the outputs from the above activities in the new Draft RTS.

The RTS development process is summarised in the figure below:

The Draft Strategy and the preceding reports listed above were informed by extensive data analysis, desk-based research and focused engagement, incorporating and building upon the significant previous body of strategy, appraisal and business case work undertaken across the region.

In tandem with developing the RTS, a multi-stage Strategic Environmental Assessment and Equalities Impact Assessment (incorporating an Islands Communities Impact Assessment) have also been undertaken and the Draft RTS is accompanied by separate SEA Environmental and Equalities Duties Assessment reports.  These reports set out how relevant equalities and environmental issues were considered during both the RTS development process and within the Draft RTS itself.

In accordance with the STAG guidance, during Stage 1 of the RTS development process ( Initial Appraisal – ‘Case for Change’ ), a set of evidenced transport problems for each mode of transport in the HITRANS region and an associated set of Transport Planning Objectives (TPOs) were identified. These were then used to define an overarching Vision for the RTS and six associated RTS Strategy Objectives.

The RTS Vision is an expression of the type of region that we want the HITRANS region to be and how transport can contribute to achieving that for everyone.  It has been developed to reflect national policy and legislation, most notably the commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, but at the same time reflects the very distinctive character of our region.  The Vision provides an overarching context within which our RTS Strategy Objectives can sit and provides a long-term focus for HITRANS and our constituent members.

Our transport networks and services will act to realise the economic potential of our region through reducing the actual and perceived impacts of distance, poor resilience and low population density.  By doing this, they will facilitate economically and socially valuable activities for all, provide equality of opportunity, enable people to live active and healthy lives and allow our region to contribute fully to the national net zero emissions target.

The RTS Strategy Objectives define the outcomes that HITRANS is seeking to achieve through the RTS and are summarised below:

Why? – Scotland has a target to achieve net zero carbon emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045 and transport is a key sector in terms of such emissions, accounting for 20% of all emissions across the region. The transport networks and services in our region must adapt to fulfil this target in a fair and equitable way whilst also being developed in as environmentally sustainable a way as possible.  The process must also recognise the needs of all groups through a ‘Just Transition’.

Why? – to allow everyone to walk, wheel and cycle more, leading to more local living patterns, greater inclusion, affordable transport, healthier lifestyles, and reduced car use – the latter leading to reduced emissions / noise etc and improved road safety.

Why? – to give people in the HITRANS region new travel choices, allowing them to: (i) use accessible and affordable public or shared transport options to make journeys they previously could not make; or (ii) to use public or shared transport instead of the car - this leading to lower levels of car use and reduced emissions / noise etc., as well as improved road safety. This objective is also important in encouraging inclusive economic growth by widening labour markets and providing improved accessibility to employment opportunities by public transport.

Why? – to make public and shared transport in the HITRANS region more attractive and competitive with car-based travel and to ensure the accessibility needs of all groups are accommodated. This will improve the travel experience for existing public transport users and encourage people to use public or shared transport instead of the car, leading to lower levels of car use and reduced emissions / noise etc, improved road safety and will support the social benefits associated with shared transport.

Why? – some of our island and peninsular communities have suffered from pronounced connectivity difficulties in recent years. This has had wide-ranging impacts on these communities and this objective recognises the need to tackle this issue, in tandem with Strategy Objective 4. Delivering this objective will provide the foundation for the long-term sustainability and success of these vulnerable communities, including through helping meet the needs of people with protected characteristics and by tackling socio-economic disadvantage.

Why? – our transport systems must be safe and able to adapt to changing demands (e.g., tourism patterns, trade etc) and be resilient in the face of climate change. This objective is important in allowing the society and economy of our region to prosper and to reduce inequalities of outcome associated with socio-economic disadvantage.

During Stage 2 of the RTS development process (Preliminary Options Appraisal), potential options aimed at resolving the identified problems and fulfilling the RTS Vision and RTS Strategy Objectives were developed and subsequently collated into a set of 11 RTS Strategy Themes.

These themes have been used to shape the content of the Draft RTS, with a separate chapter of the RTS covering each theme. Within each RTS Theme chapter, there are a series of associated RTS Policies. These set out the 'direction of travel' across a broad range of transport issues affecting the HITRANS region for the period of the Strategy.

Subsequent to the adoption of the RTS, an accompanying Action Plan will be developed which will set out activities and priorities in relation to these RTS Policies and which will be updated regularly.

The 11 RTS Themes and the associated RTS Policies are summarised below.

Improving the public realm and mobility within settlements by reducing the dominance of the private car and maximising opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycling.

• Policy ST1a: The RTS supports the principle of reallocating road space, including parking, from general traffic.  This should support placemaking to shape improved walking, wheeling and cycling opportunities in our communities as a means to promote safe active travel and encourage use of active travel modes.  Reallocation of road space should avoid any negative impacts on bus services.
• Policy ST1b: Where traffic in settlements is reduced by investment in road infrastructure, road space reallocation should be undertaken as an integral component of that investment. 
• Policy ST1c: The RTS supports the principle of traffic calming and speed limit reductions and enforcement where this is the wish of our communities, including on the Trunk Road network.
• Policy ST1d: The RTS supports measures to reduce road-based severance in our communities.
• Policy ST1e: The RTS recognises the challenges presented by the impacts of increasing abnormal load movements across the region.  It calls for a coordinated approach to be taken to ensure that appropriate planning and mitigation is put in place as part of the planning process for new developments that will generate such movements.
• Policy ST1f: The RTS supports greater consistency (in ‘like-for-like’ locations) of parking management across our region, including payment mechanisms, parking information and enforcement.
• Policy ST1g: The RTS supports the principle of improving the management and enforcement of traffic and parking around schools, including School Streets (a road outside a school with temporary restriction on motorised traffic at school drop-off and pick-up times). 
• Policy ST1h: The RTS supports the prioritisation of new development in locations that are in proximity to key services and already well-served by active travel and public transport.
• Policy ST1i: The RTS supports the local delivery of public services, including health and education, and other day-to-day retail and personal services (e.g., banking) which minimise the need to travel.
• Policy ST1j: The RTS supports the integration of active travel, public transport and shared mobility into the planning of all new developments.  New development proposals should be required to outline how they will connect into the local active travel and public transport networks.
• Policy ST1k: The RTS supports the concept of ‘infrastructure first’ in relation to major developments across our region.
• Policy ST1l: The RTS recognises the centrality of environmental considerations, particularly biodiversity enhancements and nature networks, within the planning and decision-making process. 

Facilitating walking, wheeling and cycling within settlements and improving active travel connections between them.

• Policy ST2a: The RTS supports transformational investment in the improvement of our existing active travel networks to make these accessible to all.
• Policy ST2b: The RTS supports the reinstatement and expansion of a network of strategic and local traffic free / quiet walking, wheeling and cycling routes to connect communities across and beyond our region.
• Policy ST2c: The RTS supports the expansion of the National Cycle Network to all parts of the region.
• Policy ST2d: Our active travel infrastructure should be designed to a high standard in accordance with the most up-to-date best practice and regionally appropriate design standards (as this evolves) to meet the needs of all users.
• Policy ST2e: The RTS supports the integration of active travel and public transport connections within our communities.
• Policy ST2f: The RTS promotes the adoption of measures outlined in the Sustainable Travel to Stations Strategy with respect to access to railway stations.
• Policy ST2g: The RTS seeks the implementation of initiatives which widen access to bicycles and e-bicycles, including e.g., promoting ownership, expansion of bicycle share and hire and provision of new ‘first mile, last mile’ cycling opportunities.
• Policy ST2h: The RTS supports the upgrade and new provision of bicycle parking and facilities at all public buildings, transport interchanges and key on-street locations within the region.
• Policy ST2i: Our active travel network should be developed, presented and promoted in a more coherent, recognisable and integrated way for regular, occasional and new users of the network, including visitors.

Distance, topography, geography and low population density currently limit public transport connectivity within much of the region.  This Strategy Theme is focused on improving public transport connectivity for journeys within, to and from the region through expanding the transport network, providing additional connections and making journeys quicker.

• Policy ST3a: The RTS supports measures to reduce social exclusion for those without access to a car.
• Policy ST3b: The RTS recognises that the decline in bus passenger numbers in the region needs to be reversed and supports measures to extend service coverage, improve frequencies, lengthen the operating day and make the network more integrated.
• Policy ST3c: The RTS supports measures to reduce bus journey times both between and within settlements in the region, including through the provision of bus priority measures.
• Policy ST3d: The RTS supports innovative alternatives to fixed route bus services where these can be affordably provided.
• Policy ST3e: The RTS recognises the role which community transport and Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) plays in our most rural communities and supports its expansion and integration with timetabled services.
• Policy ST3f: The RTS supports measures to widen the awareness and use of community transport, DRT and EDRT amongst all members of society.
• Policy ST3g: The RTS recognises the role of taxis as a key element of transport provision in the region where community transport, DRT and EDRT services are not provided.
• Policy ST3h: The RTS recognises that rail journey times to, from and within the region are typically longer than elsewhere in Scotland, and therefore supports measures to reduce these journey times.
• Policy ST3i: The RTS supports the commitment to electrify the Highland Mainline as an opportunity to reduce rail journey times and improve reliability as part of the overall decarbonisation of the network.
• Policy ST3j: The RTS recognises that very low rail service frequency often makes rail uncompetitive with the car and therefore supports measures which would facilitate increased rail service frequency, particularly between Inverness and Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
• Policy ST3k: The RTS promotes and supports the development of additional local rail services focused on our regional centres.
• Policy ST3l: The RTS supports infrastructure measures which would enable increased service frequency, such as the electrification of the Highland Mainline, Aberdeen to Inverness and improvements to the signalling system.
• Policy ST3m: The RTS supports the planning and delivery of new railway stations, including innovative solutions proportionate to the location, subject to the development of an appropriate business case.

Addressing the barriers to travel by public transport, including interchange within and between modes, physical barriers for those less able and poor-quality facilities and travel information.

• Policy ST4a: The RTS supports measures that will improve integration within and between modes of transport at key locations and transport interchanges in order to provide new travel options and alternatives to the private car, recognising the constraints within which this is possible (e.g., delivering school bus services).
• Policy ST4b: The RTS supports integrated ticketing measures to simplify travel and improve the passenger experience.
• Policy ST4c: The RTS supports the adoption of contract conditions for tendered and supported services that encourage operators to work in partnership to improve integration, timetable planning and coordination.
• Policy ST4d: The RTS supports the provision and enhancement of mobility hubs across the region, in line with a hierarchy reflecting local requirements.
• Policy ST4e: The RTS supports measures which will enable people to leave their bicycle in a secure environment at a bus stop / station, railway station, ferry terminal or airfield.
• Policy ST4f: The RTS supports, where practical, the provision of increased bicycle capacity on public transport services within the region.
• Policy ST4g: The RTS supports the simplification of the process of taking a bicycle both to and onto a bus or train.
• Policy ST4h: The RTS supports more widespread journeys which combine bicycle and public transport.
• Policy ST4i: The RTS supports the provision of consistent standards of facilities at bus stations and bus stops reflecting location and usage.
• Policy ST4j: Our bus network should be safe, secure and fully accessible to all.
• Policy ST4k: Our bus network should provide a high-quality and consistent onboard experience.
• Policy ST4l: Travel on buses to, from and within the region should, where possible, enable meaningful working time.
• Policy ST4m: The RTS supports the provision of more consistent standards of facilities at railway stations, reflecting station usage.
• Policy ST4n: Our railway network should be safe, secure and fully accessible to all.
• Policy ST4o: The RTS supports the continuation and expansion of the Scotland’s Railway Adoption Programme and other measures to enhance the station environment.
• Policy ST4p: Our ferry network should be safe, secure and fully and easily accessible to all.  This includes both shore-to-vessel access and movement around the vessel itself.
• Policy ST4q: The RTS recognises that there is not a short-term solution to the accessibility issues with the Argyll and Bute and Orkney inter-island air services.  We will keep abreast of developments in technology and new aircraft types and, in the meantime, continue to work with partners to support alternative options such as the Scottish Ambulance Service. 
• Policy ST4r: The RTS supports sufficient provision and better enforcement of Blue Badge parking across the region.
• Policy ST4s: The RTS recognises the important role of taxis as part of the overall transport mix in the region.  It supports partnership working with licencing authorities and taxi providers to raise standards of provision where required and to facilitate the expansion of the network.
• Policy ST4t: The RTS supports the provision of taxi services which are fully accessible in terms of booking and vehicle access.
• Policy ST4u: A key component of making travel accessible to all, the RTS supports measures to remove barriers to travel, including increased staff training, passenger chaperones and the provision of physical and online travel information in accessible formats.
• Policy ST4v: The RTS supports the maintenance and expansion of at-stop / at-station multi-modal real-time information.
• Policy ST4w: The RTS promotes the simplification and consolidation of travel planning and in-journey information to make travel easier for less frequent users.
• Policy ST4x: The RTS supports the further development of the GO-HI travel app.
• Policy ST4y: The RTS supports the provision of up-to-date physical travel information at bus stops, and the removal of out-of-date information.
• Policy ST4z: The RTS Calls for improved cross-provider digital connectivity across the region to facilitate access to travel information for all (including in-car information), enable meaningful working time when travelling by public transport and to help reduce the need to travel where possible.

Improving the connectivity and reducing the peripherality of island and peninsular communities through improved ferry and air services, and potentially fixed links.

• Policy ST5a: The RTS supports the provision of longer daily time on-mainland and on-island where this is required for the long-term sustainability of a community.
• Policy ST5b: The RTS supports the provision of services which minimise the requirement for one or more overnight stays.
• Policy ST5c: Where practicable, the RTS supports the operation of additional sailings on the supported ferry networks within the region.
• Policy ST5d: The RTS supports year-round seven-day connections for island and peninsular communities where this is required for the long-term sustainability of a community and enjoys public support.
• Policy ST5e: The booking and ticketing arrangements for ferry services in the region should support the convenience and efficiency of travel for all.
• Policy ST5f: The RTS calls for the earlier opening of ferry booking systems and increased transparency around the release and management of vehicle deck space.
• Policy ST5g: The RTS supports the principle of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET).  However, where service frequency permits, controlled use of peak times / surge pricing could be used to help manage demand, recognising that this would need to be at no net detriment to the connectivity of island and peninsular communities. 
• Policy ST5h: The RTS supports operational measures which maximise the efficient management of vehicle deck space on sailings.
• Policy ST5i: The RTS supports measures to improve door-to-door journeys through enhancing active travel, public transport and shared mobility connections to and from ferry terminals, combined with other measures to reduce the need to take a car onboard.
• Policy ST5j: The RTS recognises the long-term underfunding of vessels and infrastructure in the region and strongly calls for fleet and infrastructure modernisation to address issues of reliability and resilience.
• Policy ST5k: The RTS calls for the development of a regularly maintained Vessels and Infrastructure Planning Pipeline across all publicly supported ferry networks in Scotland.
• Policy ST5l: The RTS supports an increase in the overall fleet size and the inter-operability of that fleet and supporting infrastructure to strengthen resilience.
• Policy ST5m: The RTS supports the principle of increasing capacity through frequency rather than larger vessels.
• Policy ST5n: The RTS calls for an objective consideration of the design characteristics of future vessels for all routes, including hull form and the provision of crew accommodation.
• Policy ST5o: The RTS supports the introduction of new low or zero emissions vessels to replace life-expired tonnage.  This should be done in line with the NTS2 Sustainable Investment Hierarchy.
• Policy ST5p: With the vessel and infrastructure replacement cycle, the RTS supports measures to reduce journey times for our island communities.  This includes providing direct sailings rather than via another island (where this is the preference of the local community) and consideration of new ferry terminal locations that reduce crossing distances.
• Policy ST5q: The RTS supports harbour infrastructure improvements ahead of life expiry where this could contribute to a material improvement in reliability.
• Policy ST5r: The RTS supports the conversion of the remaining Lo-Lo routes in the region to Ro-Ro where there is community support.
• Policy ST5s: The RTS supports the further development of the Highlands and Islands’ air network.
• Policy ST5t: The RTS supports the further development of commercial external routes, particularly to London Heathrow and other international hub airports, that support the economic competitiveness of the region.
• Policy ST5u: The RTS supports the retention of the PSO air network within the region and, where alternative travel choices are inadequate, its further expansion. ‘Adequate’ in this context refers to the ability to achieve an affordable daily return to / from a national centre.
• Policy ST5v: The RTS supports the operation of additional connections and flights on the PSO air networks within the region, whether delivered by existing, additional or new low emission aircraft.
• Policy ST5w: The RTS supports more direct flights rather than via another island.
• Policy ST5x: The RTS supports the adoption of technological and infrastructure solutions which would improve the reliability and frequency of inter-island air services.
• Policy ST5y: The RTS supports the principle of fixed links where they represent value for money and are supported by the island or peninsular community.  Any fixed link should be implemented in conjunction with improved public transport connectivity and incorporate provision for active travel.
• Policy ST5z: The RTS supports the consideration of tolling where this would assist in making the case for a fixed link.  The use of vehicle number plate recognition technology could allow local residents to travel for free.

Many supply-chains in the region are marginal and face challenges not found elsewhere in Scotland, working around ferry connections for example.  This Strategy Theme is focused on enhancing the efficiency of supply-chains and identifying means for improving their environmental sustainability.

• Policy ST6a: The RTS supports the principle of new dedicated or high-capacity freight vessels on freight intensive routes.
• Policy ST6b: The RTS supports the formalisation and extension of the carriage of unaccompanied trailers to a wider range of routes.
• Policy ST6c: The RTS supports the operation of dedicated freight sailings, either by contracted or commercial operators where there is demand and it is operationally deliverable.
• Policy ST6d: The RTS supports moves towards greater simplification and consistency in the setting of ferry freight fares across the region, recognising that this would be achieved over the medium-term.
• Policy ST6e: The RTS supports infrastructure measures which will enable the growth of rail freight to and from the region.
• Policy ST6f: The RTS supports infrastructure investment and funding initiatives which will enable the growth of waterborne and air freight to, from and within the region.

Weather, geological instability and very limited diversion opportunities make resilience a key issue in the region, whilst safety is a primary concern on many of the main road routes.  This Strategy Theme is therefore focused on improving the safety, reliability and resilience of transport networks within the region.

• Policy ST7a: The RTS restates our support for the full dualling of the A9 and A96, with early prioritisation of the Elgin and Keith bypasses to dual carriageway standards, following the already committed Inverness to Wester Hardmuir scheme.
• Policy ST7b: The RTS calls for incremental improvements to our road network where there are safety, efficiency and environmental benefits, including in relation to single track roads.
• Policy ST7c: The RTS supports the expansion of 50mph HGV speed limits across the Trunk Road network in the region.
• Policy ST7d: The RTS supports the provision of improved overtaking opportunities on our roads, especially where there are known problems with vehicle platooning which can cause driver frustration.
• Policy ST7e: The RTS calls for investment in our regional road network where there are regular and sustained periods of disruption due to weather and / or geological instability.
• Policy ST7f: The RTS recognises the increasing vulnerability of our region’s road network to severe weather events linked to climate change and supports capital and revenue measures to mitigate this.
• Policy ST7g: The RTS recognises the increasing vulnerability of the railway network to severe weather events linked to climate change and supports capital and revenue measures to mitigate this.
• Policy ST7h: The RTS supports the continued provision and expansion of real-time travel information for motorists and public transport users through existing and emerging platforms.
• Policy ST7i: The RTS recognises that many parts of our region’s road network are in poor condition.  It calls for enhanced preventative and remedial road maintenance to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient movement of people and goods and the delivery of services across our region. 
• Policy ST7j: Investment in our road network should continue to have an overarching focus on safety with a view to reducing road traffic casualties in accordance with Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030.
• Policy ST7k: To address risks which are particular to roads in our region, the RTS supports: enhanced advisory signage; ongoing public information campaigns around the use of single-track roads; provision of additional safe motorist services and HGV rest areas; and information campaigns for visitors driving left-hand drive vehicles.
• Policy ST7l: The RTS specifically supports the improvement or removal of priority junctions on higher speed trunk roads, especially for right-turning traffic.
• Policy ST7m: The RTS calls for increased provision of level boarding at stations across the region, which will reduce station dwell times.
• Policy ST7n: The RTS supports the provision of additional sections of double track (or static or dynamic passing loops where double track does not represent value for money) to improve punctuality.
• Policy ST7o: The RTS supports infrastructure and timetable improvements external to the region which will improve the reliability of services to / from Inverness, Fort William, Oban and Mallaig.

Responding to the challenges arising from the significant seasonal influx of tourists to the region, often in the areas least well-placed to accommodate it.

• Policy ST8a: The RTS supports the further development of long-distance walking, wheeling and cycling routes (including the National Cycle Network), recognising the visitor, economic and local benefits offered.
• Policy ST8b: The RTS supports the development of active travel connections to our ports, airports and regionally important railway stations.
• Policy ST8c: The RTS supports the development of active travel connections to our key tourism destinations where this would be a realistic option for some visitors.
• Policy ST8d: Where there are concentrations of international tourists, including cruise passengers, the RTS supports the provision of enhanced local travel information and  coordination to improve visitor experience and reduce impacts on local networks.
• Policy ST8e: The RTS supports the operation and promotion of additional local rail services to key tourism destinations.
• Policy ST8f: The RTS supports the provision of additional rail carriages on existing services in peak season, where feasible.
• Policy ST8g: The RTS supports the principle of flexible timetabling where this can co-exist with regular services for local residents.
• Policy ST8h: The RTS supports the principle of expanded open access rail services where these can be accommodated at no disadvantage to scheduled services.
• Policy ST8i: The RTS supports the principle of sustainably accommodating visitor demand whilst maintaining or increasing visitor numbers.
• Policy ST8j: The RTS supports the introduction of additional parking restrictions and greater enforcement of existing traffic orders at tourist honeypots as a tool to encourage improved access to these locations by public transport or active modes and to address indiscriminate and dangerous parking.
• Policy ST8k: Where new or increased parking charges are introduced, this should be done in combination with improved visitor facilities, including e.g., parking provision, public toilets etc. Policy ST8l: Whilst recognising the benefits of motorhome and campervan-based tourism in our region, the RTS acknowledges that it can impact negatively on our communities at certain times of the year.  The RTS therefore supports measures to ensure that this demand is sustainably accommodated
• Policy ST8m: Whilst recognising the benefits of cruise tourism in our region, the RTS recognises that catering for this demand can negatively impact on our communities.  The RTS therefore supports measures to ensure that this demand is more sustainably accommodated.
• Policy ST8n: The RTS supports measures which would allow the benefits of cruise tourism to be more evenly distributed around the region.
• Policy ST8o: The RTS supports the principle of bespoke bus services aimed at tourists to address excessive car-based demand at honeypot locations.
• Policy ST8p: The RTS recognises that high volumes of tourist traffic are impacting the condition of some roads in our region and that increased central government funding is required that reflects this increased pressure on local transport infrastructure, to support an enhanced repair and maintenance programme. 
• Policy ST8q: The RTS recognises that high volumes of tourist traffic can lead to slow and inefficient journeys and therefore supports measures to address this.

Supporting the decarbonisation of transport through the adoption of zero emission vehicles, vessels, and aircraft.

• Policy ST9a: The RTS supports the implementation of measures which facilitate the decarbonisation of the public transport vehicle fleet within the region, including commercial vehicles, buses and community transport, rail rolling stock, aircraft and ferries.
• Policy ST9b: The RTS recognises the opportunities brought about by the availability of renewable energy in our region, including locally produced green hydrogen.  The transport fleet mix and associated infrastructure should reflect this.
• Policy ST9c: The RTS supports the development of vehicle pooling and vehicle sharing services across the region to reduce the need for personal car ownership.
• Policy ST9d: The RTS calls for the expansion of EV charging infrastructure to support the decarbonisation of all vehicle based travel in our region.
• Policy ST9e: The RTS recognises the challenges of distance, topography, climate and short winter daylight hours to the rollout of battery electric powered commercial vehicles and seeks low or zero emission solutions appropriate to our region, and which capitalise on the surplus energy production within our region.
• Policy ST9f: The RTS supports the roll-out of other alternative fuels to promote the decarbonisation of our transport networks, ports, ferry terminals, airports and airfields.

Capitalising on innovations in new technology.

• Policy ST10a: The RTS embraces the opportunities provided by new technologies to improve the provision of transport infrastructure and services across the region.
• Policy ST10b: The RTS supports consideration of the provision of future innovative personal transport within the design of our active travel network and mobility hubs.
• Policy ST10c: The RTS supports the principle and further development of Mobility-as-a-Service as the technology evolves, particularly through our Go-HI app.
• Policy ST10d: The RTS supports opportunities for the more widespread adoption of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and autonomous buses, whilst recognising the challenges posed in our region.

Reducing the cost of travel for residents of the region, which is a primary contributor to ‘transport poverty’.

• Policy ST11a: Transport poverty is a complex, dispersed and often hidden problem in our region.  The RTS commits to define and evidence this problem and identify appropriate actions to be delivered by HITRANS and our partners.
• Policy ST11b: Recognising that, for many in our region (and especially those living in our island communities), transport costs account for a high proportion of household income, the RTS supports a reduction in public transport fares and the introduction of payment plans for multi-journey tickets.
• Policy ST11c: The comparative costs of public transport mean that residents and visitors to the region often choose to travel by car.  The RTS therefore supports a reduction in the cost differential between travelling by public transport and car.
• Policy ST11d: The RTS supports in principle the roll-out of Road Equivalent Tariff to any ferry routes on which it does not currently apply, including local authority services.
• Policy ST11e: The RTS calls for greater cross-industry partnership working and regulatory reform to reduce the cost penalty for interchange within or between modes of transport.
• Policy ST11f: The RTS calls for the extension of the National Concessionary Travel Scheme and Under-22s Concessionary Travel Scheme to rail, ferry and air services where these are the main or only mode of public transport in an area.
• Policy ST11g: The RTS calls for the retention and expansion of the Air Discount Scheme, including to businesses in the region. 
• Policy ST11h: National road pricing proposals may emerge in response to the reduction in fuel duty and Value Added Tax as a result of the mass adoption of electric vehicles.  If this eventuality materialises, the RTS calls for a road pricing system that recognises the unique characteristics of our region.

   https://tinyurl.com/5y9fxe9r 

The  Draft RTS  has been developed in accordance with the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance and is supported by an  Initial Appraisal – ‘Case for Change’  , which provides the evidence base for the problems and RTS Strategy Objectives, and a  Preliminary Options Appraisal  which supported the development of the RTS policies.

The preparation of the Draft RTS has also been informed by a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and an Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA, incorporating an Islands Communities Impact Assessment), each of which have identified environmental and equalities issues which need to be addressed in the new RTS. This Draft RTS is accompanied by proportionate SEA and Equalities Duties Assessment Reports which consider how relevant equalities and environmental issues have been taken account of to-date and provides recommendations to inform the finalisation of the RTS. These assessments can be found at the following links:

SEA :    https://tinyurl.com/yc59bbht 

SEA Non-Technical Summary :    https://tinyurl.com/m96s6jaj 

Equalities Impact Assessment, incorporating Islands Communities Impact Assessment :    https://tinyurl.com/26rrybfy 

We are consulting on the Draft RTS and would welcome your feedback via a  survey .

The survey will close on the Friday 14th June. If you encounter any issues completing the survey or require the survey in an alternative format, please contact us on 0131 335 4200, via the email below or by sending a letter to the address below. Written comments are invited on the above documents until Friday 14th June. Responses can be emailed to  Fiona.Duncan@stantec.com  or posted to:

The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership Inverness Town House 1 High Street Inverness IV1 1JJ

The RTS documents will also be available in hard copy for inspection at the above noted address.