Scottish rail unions and environmental groups have made a joint call for abolishing peak train fares.
The call comes as a pilot scheme run by ScotRail since October, which made fares cost the same rate at all times of the day. Previously, the off-peak rate ran four hours between 03:00 and 07:00 and three hours between 13:30 and 16:30. Those travelling outside these times would pay an increased rate.
The scheme that equalised fares was due to end this spring, but the Scottish government has extended it until 28 June. Transport Scotland said it would “carefully” consider the scheme’s benefits.
Environmental groups and Scottish rail unions have said that equalising peak rail fares with off-peak fares would encourage people to use trains rather than cars when travelling. This would lower carbon emissions and help people travel more cheaply.
Jim Baxter, Aself’s committee member for Scotland, also highlighted the economic benefits that the pilot scheme had illuminated.
He said that Rail Industry Association research from 2021 indicated that for every pound spent on rail travel, £2.50 was generated in the broader economy. He called for the scrapping of peak fares, saying it would be “a win for Scottish workers and a win for the Scottish government as it grows the economy.”
Neither Transport Scotland nor the Scottish government has indicated whether they would cut peak fares. However, they have extended the pilot scheme to allow more data on travel patterns to be collected, which would inform the final evaluation.
A spokesperson from the Scottish Government said: This trail is an exciting and unique opportunity to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and choose a safe, reliable, and green form of public transport.” They added, “The Scottish Government will carefully consider the impact of the pilot”.
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