During 2025/26, a partnership between the University of St Andrews, Stagecoach East Scotland and Moffat & Williamson continued to deliver a discounted bus travel scheme, helping staff and students reduce both travel costs and carbon emissions. The initiative offers significantly reduced fares, supporting more affordable and sustainable travel choices across Fife.

Launched in November 2022, the scheme provides a 75% discount on bus travel, making public transport a more accessible and attractive option. It was introduced as part of wider efforts to support students and staff through the cost-of-living crisis, while also encouraging a shift away from private car use.

The impact of the scheme has been substantial. More than 5,800 staff and students have used the scheme, making over 1.13 million journeys and travelling a combined distance of 37.8 million kilometres by bus. Over 82,500 discounted tickets have been sold, with many users choosing to leave their cars at home as a result.

This behaviour change has delivered both financial and environmental benefits. Participants have collectively saved over £3 million in travel costs, helping ease financial pressure, while carbon emissions from car travel have been reduced by an estimated 1,902 tonnes.

The scheme has continued to evolve to meet local needs. In response to feedback, the discount was extended to include services from Moffat & Williamson, ensuring that staff and students living in more rural areas of Fife can also benefit. Further improvements include the introduction of electric buses on key routes, such as the Stagecoach 99 service between St Andrews and Dundee, supporting cleaner and quieter transport options.

The initiative is supported by wider policy changes within the University, including a revised travel policy that encourages lower-carbon travel choices and reduces reliance on domestic air travel. Together, these measures help create a more sustainable travel culture across the institution.

The project directly supports the Plan for Fife priorities of tackling poverty and preventing crisis, addressing the climate emergency and community wealth building. By reducing travel costs and supporting sustainable transport, the scheme helps improve affordability while contributing to lower carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, the University will continue to promote the scheme and gather feedback through regular travel surveys to identify further improvements. Ongoing partnership working will help expand the reach and impact of the initiative, ensuring more people can benefit from affordable, low-carbon travel options across Fife.