Scotland set to reinstate Peak Rail Fares after year-long trial  – Scottish Business News

THE Scottish government has announced the return of peak rail fares following a year-long pilot scheme that aimed to encourage more people to use public transportation. 

The decision, which takes effect on September 27, 2024, has sparked criticism from trade unions and opposition parties.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop revealed that the trial, which cost £40 million, only led to a 6.8% increase in rail usage. She explained that for the service to be financially sustainable, passenger numbers would need to rise by at least 10%.

This reintroduction of peak fares will significantly affect regular commuters. For instance, the cost of a return trip between Edinburgh and Glasgow will increase to £31.40, up from £16.20. The price hike has raised concerns about the potential impact on workers and families already struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Hyslop emphasised that the pilot primarily benefited existing train passengers and those with medium to higher incomes. She stated that while the scheme helped many save money during challenging economic times, the level of subsidy required is no longer sustainable given the current financial climate.

To soften the blow of returning peak fares, the government has announced several initiatives:

• A 12-month discount on all ScotRail season tickets
• Amendments to flexipass terms, allowing 12 single journeys for the price of 10 within 60 days
• Reintroduction of super off-peak tickets
  

The decision has faced strong opposition from various quarters.

The Scottish Greens have called it a “fundamentally unfair” move that will harm climate effort.

Trade unions, including the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and rail union Aslef, criticized the move as shortsighted and regressive.

Speaking to the BBC, Scottish Labour’s net zero spokeswoman Sarah Boyack said the decision was “senseless”.

She added: “This scheme has been sabotaged by SNP incompetence at every turn… Now thousands of Scots are at risk of once again being priced out of their daily commute, forced back into cars and stuck in traffic jams.”

The Scottish Liberal Democrats said the SNP were “completely out of touch” with the public regarding transport, while the Scottish Conservatives previously said a permanent end to peak rail fares would “ease the burden on hard working Scots”.

Around £40m has been spent on the scheme so far since it’s introduction last October.

The Scottish government has stated that it would be open to considering future subsidies to remove peak fares should UK budget allocations to the Scottish Government improve in the coming years.