SNP Government Cuts Cheaper Peak Time Rail Fares From End Of September

21st August 2024

A pilot scheme scrapping peak-time ScotRail fares will end in September following "limited success" following the announcement by Scottish Government.

Transport Scotland said the project, which saw ticket prices subsidised by the Scottish government and standardised across the day, "did not achieve its aims" of persuading more people to swap car journeys for rail travel.

Some critics say this is more about cost cutting outside of a budget rather tan he scheme failing.

Analysis by the body recommended ending the scheme due to financial pressures, while also increasing fares on popular peak-time routes including those between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Critics have described the decision to terminate the scheme from 27 September as a "hammer blow" for commuters and the climate.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said there had been an increase in passenger levels of about 6.8% during the pilot but it would need to be 10% in order for the policy to be self-financing.

It had initially been due to last six months and saw the cost of a rush hour ticket between the capital and Glasgow nearly halved from £28.90 to £14.90.

When the scheme ends, the price of the top ticket on that route will rise by 8.6% to £31.40.

Commuters who have been travelling to the Edinburgh Festival and Fringes shows might also complain about trains packed to over capacity with standing room only from Fife to Edinburgh and Glasgow to Edinburgh etc. It was standing room only on many trains heading to the festival throughout August

Will more travellers revert to the car or bus when the new higher fares come in at the end of September 2024?