ZetTrans 2040 Regional Transport Strategy

ZetTrans 2040 Regional Transport Strategy

The Strategy replaces the previous RTS, which covered the period 2018-2028, and was developed with support from Stantec UK Ltd. It sets out the strategic direction for transport investment, policy and decision-making through to 2040. It provides a framework for how transport will be planned and developed across Shetland over the lifetime of the Strategy.

Overview

Under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 it is the duty of each Transport Partnership to draw up a strategy for transport within its region. The new ZetTrans 2040 RTS responds to the changing policy, environmental, societal and economic context, as well as the transport challenges and opportunities facing Shetland.

The Strategy sets out a Vision for transport in Shetland:

Our transport networks in Shetland and our connections to the rest of Scotland support our social and inclusive economic prosperity, provide equitable access to opportunities, enable people to live healthy and active lives, facilitate the development of sustainable and inclusive communities, and contribute to our net zero emission targets.

The RTS is structured around eight themes:

• Enabling and encouraging active travel – improving the public realm and facilitating walking, wheeling and cycling within settlements, as well as active travel connections between them.
• Improving the quality and affordability of, and access to our public transport – delivering affordable and accessible public transport, including improving infrastructure, ticketing options and information.
• Extending bus connectivity – improving bus services through increased frequency, extended operating hours, additional services and better connections with other modes of transport.
• Connecting our islands – improving internal ferry and air connections and exploring the case for fixed links to better connect Shetland’s island communities.
• Enhancing our external connections and supply chain – enhancing external ferry and air connections to Orkney and the Scottish mainland.
• Decarbonising our transport – supporting the transition to a lower-carbon transport network, including the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, vessels and aircraft.
• Embracing new technologies – making use of innovation and new technology to improve transport in Shetland.
• Enhancing network efficiency – supporting the safe, resilient and efficient movement of people and freight across Shetland.

These themes cover the main transport issues facing Shetland over the lifetime of the strategy. The RTS also sets out policies under each theme to guide future activity and investment.

Approach

The RTS was developed in line with the principles of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) and followed a three-stage process:

Stage 1: Initial Appraisal: The Case for Change – this considered the transport problems, issues, constraints and opportunities facing Shetland and its connections with the rest of Scotland.

Stage 2: Preliminary Appraisal – this involved generating, developing and appraising a long-list of potential transport options against the Strategy Objectives and relevant STAG criteria.

Stage 3: Regional Transport Strategy Document – this brought together the findings from the previous stages to develop the RTS, including its Vision, Strategy Objectives, Themes and associated policies.

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA), incorporating an Island Communities Impact Assessment, were also undertaken alongside the development of the RTS.

Progress

ZetTrans has now adopted the ZetTrans 2040 Regional Transport Strategy.

The Strategy was developed between 2021 and 2023 and provides the strategic framework for transport in Shetland and its connections to the rest of Scotland up to 2040.

The RTS sets out the long-term strategic direction and policies for transport across Shetland. An accompanying Delivery Plan sets out the activities and priorities for taking these policies forward and will be updated regularly.

The ZetTrans 2040 Regional Transport Strategy can be accessed here.