The Highlands and Islands Transport partnership (HITRANS) has been recognised in a UK-wide transport awards ceremony.
The regional transport partnership, which covers a large area of northern Scotland including the Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland was commended at the Transport Times National Transport awards.
HITRANS received the praise in the John Prescott Regional Transport Authority of the Year category, which is open to transport authorities that cover multiple local authorities, as well as sub-national transport bodies.
The partnership was shortlisted for its unique work serving rural and island communities, alongside authorities from across the UK.
Earlier this year, HITRANS helped to deliver the £2 bus fare cap pilot in the Highlands and Islands region, in partnership with Transport Scotland and ZetTrans.
More than 1.5 million bus journeys were made across the Highlands and Islands by the end of August 2026, with reported passenger savings of more than £6 per journey.
Bus trips in the region are reported to have increased by 36 per cent year on year, and with the scheme’s extension to Strathclyde in September, journeys between the two regions cost a maximum of £4 each way.
HITRANS have also been delivering the People and Place Programme with Transport Scotland funding since 2024, which is supporting active travel and has now reached more than 26,000 participants.
This includes measures such as upgraded facilities at 59 locations, checks and repairs to 1783 bikes, and 353 cycles refurbished and rehomed for free or at low cost.
The partnership is now moving into sustainable aviation through its involvement with the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) programme, and the Scottish Electric Aviation Network (SEAN).
Funded by the Department for Transport through a competition delivered by Innovate UK, the projects will support electric aircraft demonstration flights from Inverness and explore how hydrogen-powered aircraft could serve regional routes.
HITRANS chair, Councillor Uisdean Robertson, said: “We are delighted to have been highly commended in this prestigious category for the fourth year in a row.
“To receive this recognition alongside transport authorities from across the UK is a tremendous tribute to our small, dedicated team and the partners we work with.
“In the Highlands and Islands, transport connectivity shapes people’s opportunities and quality of life.
“Long distances, island geography and the cost of travel can make it harder to reach work, education, healthcare and the services that others take for granted. Our work is about making a practical difference to those journeys.
“From helping people travel more affordably by bus, to supporting walking, wheeling and cycling, and developing cleaner aviation for our lifeline routes, we are delivering a wide range of activity with a real impact across our region.
“This commendation is recognition of that collective effort, and I want to thank our staff, delivery partners, local authorities, funders and transport operators for everything they contribute.”
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