Survey and Drop-in Sessions on Public Bus Network

There will also be an online survey which will be live from 19th August to 19th September for those who prefer to engage in that way – details of this will follow.

To support the planning of public services, including mainline and feeder buses together with rural shopper and health centre services, this is the opportunity for everyone to put forward their views that will help shape the network from mid-August 2025.

Data from recent years has shown that the Covid-19 pandemic, cost of living pressures and the introduction of free bus travel for the Under 22s have all contributed to changing how people travel.

Councillor Moraig Lyall, Chair of ZetTrans and Shetland Islands Council’s Environment and Transport Committee: “Our public bus services provide essential transport for many people in Shetland to access work, education, health care, shopping and leisure opportunities. With the changes in patterns of use that we are seeing, for example a huge increase in the number of young people using services, it is vitally important that we understand what is needed so that the network can evolve in line with those needs.

“We also want to ensure that services are affordable and integrate with other modes of transport. I would urge everyone, whether they currently use services, may use them in the future, or don’t use them because the current network makes it difficult, to come along to a drop-in session or give us their thoughts by completing the online survey.

“Feeding all the ideas that come forward at this stage into the review process will help ensure that the next version of the bus network meets the needs of the community as widely as possible.”

The Area Transport Forum Drop-In Sessions will take place as follows:

If you would like to come along to a drop-in session but don't have transport, please call ZetTrans on 01595 744868 or email zettrans@shetland.gov.uk and transport will be arranged to enable you to attend.