Starting September 1st, ScotRail will eliminate peak fares for weekday train journeys, meaning passengers no longer face higher prices during busy travel times. Previously, tickets for travel between Edinburgh and Glasgow were significantly cheaper, with some fares nearly 50% lower. The Scottish government aims to encourage commuters to switch from cars to trains.
Season tickets and some multi-journey passes will remain at peak prices, but the overall fare system will become more flexible. A prior pilot program to remove peak fares was deemed a “limited success,” resulting in a 6.8% rise in passenger numbers but also incurring significant costs, estimated between £40 million and £45 million annually.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hislop noted that the benefits primarily favored moderate to high-income passengers. ScotRail’s Managing Director highlighted the potential savings for commuters, with individual testimonials showcasing the positive impact of the changes. The move is seen as a response to the ongoing cost of living crisis, and supporters, including Green MSP Mark Rasquel, have described peak fares as “deeply unfair taxes.”
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