Peak train fares to return as pilot scheme scrapped over passenger numbers

A pilot scheme scrapping peak-time ScotRail fares will end next month following a “limited degree of success”.

Transport Scotland said the trial – subsidised by the Scottish government – cost £40m but “did not achieve its aims” of encouraging more people to swap their cars for rail travel.

The scheme began in October last year and was extended past its initial six-month run. It will now come to an end on 27 September.

The trial saw the cost of a rush hour ticket between Edinburgh and Glasgow drop from £28.90 to £14.90. Post-pilot, the fare will increase to £31.40.

Those travelling between Inverness and Elgin also saw their fares drop from £22 to £14.40, while the ticket price between Glasgow and Stirling fell from £16.10 to £9.60.

Critics have branded the decision as a “hammer blow” to commuters and the climate.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said analysis showed the pilot primarily benefited existing train passengers and those with medium to higher incomes.

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Although passenger levels increased to a maximum of around 6.8%, the scheme would require a 10% increase to be self-financing.

Ms Hyslop said: “The pilot will have been welcome in saving many passengers hundreds and in some cases thousands of pounds during the cost of living crisis but this level of subsidy cannot continue in the current financial climate on that measure alone.”

Super off-peak tickets will be reintroduced, alongside the introduction of a 12-month discount on all ScotRail season tickets.

New “flexipasses” will also allow for 12 single journeys for the price of 10 if used within 60 days.

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Ms Hyslop added: “The Scottish government would be open to consider future subsidy to remove peak fares should UK budget allocations to the Scottish government improve in future years.”

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Jim Baxter, ASLEF executive council member, said the union was “really angry and beyond disappointed”.

Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell described it as “very bad news for our environment”.

He added: “It is a hammer blow to the many workers all over Scotland who have to travel every day but have no say on when they need to be at work.

“Behavioural change doesn’t happen overnight and by making the move permanent we could have encouraged more people to change the way they travel.

“This will pile extra costs on to people at a really difficult time. Every pound that’s saved on travel is another pound that can go towards heating, eating or the many other expenses that have piled up for households and families all over Scotland.”

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