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The role of Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) is to strengthen the planning and delivery of regional transport developments.The first task of each RTP was to prepare a regional transport strategy. This is supported by a delivery plan where RTPs set out when and how projects and proposals would be delivered.

What is a Regional Transport Partnership?

Regional transport partnerships (RTPs) were established on 1 December 2005 to strengthen the planning and delivery of regional transport so that it better serves the needs of people and businesses.

The first task of each RTP was to prepare a regional transport strategy. This is supported by a delivery plan where RTPs set out when and how projects and proposals would be delivered.

RTPs bring together local authorities and other key regional stakeholders to take a strategic approach to transport in each region of Scotland.

RTPs are independent bodies corporate defined in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005. That legislation bases them on the local government model but they are not local authorities and they are not NDPBs. RTPs are like joint boards, bringing councils together to perform local government functions collectively and strategically over a larger area.

All local authorities in Scotland are members of regional transport partnerships. Councillors make up around two-thirds of the membership. There can be up to a maximum of 5 councillor members from each constituent council but no more than 20 councillor members in total. The RTPs can also appoint Advisers/Observers. Around a third of members of RTPs are non-councillor members who fulfil a role similar to that of Non-Executive Directors.

Transport Scotland works to ensure close liaison with the RTPs and local authorities to ensure that transport policy in Scotland is properly co-ordinated.

Working Group Report

The Scottish Government, Regional Transport Partnerships and COSLA produced a joint Working Group Report in August 2015.

RTPs/SG/CoSLA Working Group Report

Related Legislation

Legislation relevant to Regional Transport Partnerships:

Scottish Government Publications

Grant Awards 

For Grant Awards for 2024/2025 People and Place Grant Awards