r/Glasgow Tools

The Zonecard is good if you're making regular, daily journeys, over the course of several weeks or longer as a regular commute.

There's no way of getting a single multi-modal journey ticket though. Many European cities offer 45 minute, 90 minute, or all day fares across *any and all* modes. Glasgow doesn't have this option, as the transport system is fragmented amongst over half a dozen private operators.

The SPT daytripper does exist, but this is something like £24+ for two people for one single day. You can't get a single person ticket. Not great value for money to be quite honest in comparison to other cities. (It's quite pricey as it's aimed at tourists and covers travel across Strathclyde).

It's also not well known about, marketed only really to tourists, and only available at staffed ticket offices at a few major train stations. So though it's raised as a "wait Glasgow does have this" thing, it's really not comparable to the kind of convenience offered by a true all day fares available on oyster cards, or other cities' transport systems.

Basically, whether you're talking about the Daytripper, or the Zonecard, these are only voluntary opt in agreements, organised by SPT and involving the private operators. They could withdraw at a moment's notice without any repurcussion.

The Scottish Parliament passed the (somewhat watered down) Transport Bill last year, which does now give cities (limited) powers to franchise out their bus services. I *think* Glasgow could technically now set up a situation where bus companies bid to run the entire city's services, under conditions set by GCC.

They could hypothetically include limitations on fare prices, set rules of routes which cannot be cut, and potentially force participation in a true city-wide multimodal transport card - and also set guidelines on the fare types.

The ball seems be in GCC's court now to make this happen if they want.

edit - some thoughts for you here u/scontter