Public transport fares likely to be frozen for year ahead

PUBLIC transport fares are set to be frozen again as Shetland Islands Council (SIC) prepares to set its budget for 2025/26.

Finance manager Paul Fraser said freezing fares could help to encourage more folk to take public transport and also support environmental aims.

The SIC is currently in the processing of setting its budget for the upcoming financial year, which begins in early April.

As part of these a myriad of various charges need to be set – the cost of particular services offered by the council.

While most could raise in line with inflation, passenger public transport fares for ferries, buses and flights are again likely to be kept as they are.

Speaking at a meeting of the SIC’s environment and transport committee on Tuesday, Fraser said: “This supports an intent to continue to encourage the use of public transport and the associated environmental benefit compared to individual journeys.”

All of the various budget proposals across the SIC will go to the full council on Tuesday for final approval.