Draft Just Transition Plan for Transport

Page 1 of 9

Closes 19 May 2025

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Vision and outcomes for transport (Part 1 of 6)

[EMBED VISION AND OUTCOMES GRAPHIC]

Draft Vision: By 2045, we will have a net-zero sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system helping deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses workers and visitors.

Our Aim: The questions in this section invite views on how people and organisations would like to continue to engage on just transition issues in Transport. We would also like to get feedback on the overall structure of the Plan and general comments or gaps identified in the vision and outcomes.

Audience: Everyone is invited to answer all consultation questions, but we have suggested that there are some questions which are more relevant to organisations or businesses, so it is possible for you to skip questions you don’t want to answer. Questions in this section are relevant to everyone.

What is a just transition?

The Scottish Government defines a just transition as both the outcome – a fairer, greener future for all – and the process of delivering net zero – in partnership with those affected. A just transition describes how we intend to get to a net zero and climate resilient economy, in a way that delivers fairness and tackles inequality and injustice. 

We are very clear, however, that pursuing a just transition is not a reason to delay action on reducing emissions. There is no question that actions must be taken; things have to change, and hard choices need to be made.  We know that these choices will impact different people in different ways.  The challenge, therefore, is to deliver the changes in such a way that the benefits of the transition are shared, while the costs fall on those who can most afford to bear them.

A just transition is about all of us working together to take advantage of opportunities for positive change, at the same time as we ensure that negative impacts are reduced to a minimum. It is not a ‘magic wand’ that can allow us to continue to live our lives the way we do now and still achieve our goals. Nor can it be achieved by government alone.  Undoubtedly, government has and key role to play, but this is a mission that will need ongoing input, collaboration, and action from everyone across our society. 

1. Do the draft outcomes reflect what the Plan should be aiming to achieve?

Draft outcomes

The draft Just Transition Plan for Transport is centred around the vision and outcomes.

Together, they describe the fairer, greener transport system we want to see by 2045, and the way in which we need to get there. We have defined a set of indicators that we will use to monitor progress towards these outcomes, questions about the indicators are included in section 6 of the consultation. 

Jobs, skills & economic opportunities Communities & place People & equity Adaptation, biodiversity & environment
1: The net zero transition supports new and existing well-paid jobs across Scotland, within transport services, supply chains and in the wider economy. 5: Communities (including in rural and suburban areas) are well connected, having better digital connectivity and shared transport options that meet their local needs. 9: Transport options are safe and secure for all, especially vulnerable people. 13: Transport infrastructure is, where practicable, designed and operated to maintain and increase biodiversity levels and improve habitats.
2: The transport sector supports diversity in the workforce, advances equality of opportunities for all, and is underpinned by a commit 6: Transport and the planning systems give communities access to the local services and amenities they need. 10: Transport is accessible and easy to use for all, especially those with additional accessibility needs and isolated people. 14: The transport transition has contributed to improvements in air quality across Scotland.
3: Businesses currently relying on fossil fuel vehicles are supported to transition to zero emissions alternatives. 7: Island communities are well connected on-island, to other islands, and to the mainland, with affordable and low carbon transport options. 11: Transport options are affordable and the transition to decarbonised transport does not disproportionately burden on those with least choice and ability to pay. 15: The transport system is prepared for the current and future impacts of climate change and is safe for all users, reliable for everyday journeys and resilient to weather-related disruption.
4: Scottish zero emission vehicle manufacturers and their supply chain can access growing domestic and international markets for their products. 8: Communities are actively involved in decision-making processes around their transport and connectivity needs. 12: Access and support for active travel options leads to healthier outcomes 16: Scotland’s supply chain has minimised and mitigated embedded carbon and the wider environmental impacts associated with vehicle production, use and disposal.
There is a limit of 5000 characters
2. Please look at the draft Transport Just Transition Plan, and tell us whether you agree or disagree with the following statements.

Link to the Draft Just Transition Plan for Transport

[Embed links to all versions] 
There is a limit of 3000 characters
3. Are you involved in any type of organised group which considers how the transport system is changing, or could change in future?

Examples of an "organised group"

An organised group has a  could be a campaigning group, industry working group or public sector forum (which does not have to be climate-related).

Examples:

  • a passenger or transport user group for any mode of transport, for example a bus passenger group
     
  • a Community Planning Partnership or community council, does not have to be a statutory body
     
  • a transport campaigning group, this does not have to be climate or nature related, for example it might be an accessibility campaign
     
  • an industry forum or working group, does not have to include government representation

These questions are about understanding how people, organisations and communities want to engage on issues relating to a just transition for transport.

We have heard that people want to use existing groups, not create new ones, and that many groups and organisations have already taken actions, ideas or best practice that others could learn from when considering a just transition for transport.