Peak-time ScotRail fares scrapped for further three months

A pilot scheme scrapping peak-time ScotRail fares is being extended by the Scottish government for a further three months.

The scheme – which means fares are the same at all times of the day – has been running since last October.

It was initially due to last six months but was then extended until 28 June.

First Minister John Swinney announced the extension until the end of September during a visit to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station.

He said: “The Scottish government’s ambition to enhance our railways and make public transport easier and more affordable is clear.

“We know new rail investment can create real education, business and tourism opportunities and help breathe life into communities.

“Bold initiatives such as our ScotRail Peak Fares Removal pilot help build on this investment by encouraging more people to switch from car and opt to use the train.”

The introduction of the scheme saw the cost of a rush-hour ticket between Glasgow and Edinburgh being nearly halved, from £28.90 down to £14.90.

However, passengers who previously bought the cheapest off-peak return ticket available on some routes have been missing out.

They include the Inverness-Elgin, and Glasgow-Stirling routes where “super off-peak day returns” were scrapped.

Some other routes had no peak-time fares in place last October, so ticket prices stayed the same.

Overall, the government said the pilot project was aimed at boosting rail travel – which was down by 70% since the start of the Covid pandemic.

ScotRail managing director Joanne Maguire said the removal of peak fares had been “a hugely exciting opportunity to encourage more people across the country to choose rail travel”.

She added: “We are delighted that the Scottish government has decided to extend the trial, and it gives even more people the opportunity to take advantage of more affordable journeys.”