Scotrail prices increased by nearly double this Friday, 27 September.
This comes after the scheme which removed peak fares was scrapped on 20 August. The scheme was originally introduced by the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Scottish Green Party (Scottish Greens).
Criticising the move, the Scottish Greens have voted to oppose the return of peak fares, with the transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP speaking in a parliamentary debate.
“If the Government is serious about its commitments of cutting emissions from the 5 billion car journeys made in Scotland every year, and transforming the way people travel, we need to see radical investment into making taking the bus, tram, or train cheaper and easier than taking the car”.
The return to the peak fares will largely impact students who rely on Scotrail, and workers who use the service daily. Peak fares have not been implemented since 2 October 2023.
Dora Herndon, President of the Edinburgh University Student’s Association (EUSA) said that the scheme was “so beneficial to students”.
“It’s disappointing that a student can be accepted into our world-class University and still be faced with barriers to success such as these.
“While we lack the resources to sponsor all students’ rail travel, we do offer financial support through our Advice Place”.
The University of Edinburgh offers a page on discounted and free travel, within their Transport and Parking service. The only offers for rail travel however are a National Railcard, Scotrail Club 50, and Transport for London.
One student who uses Scotrail regularly, told The Student they wanted a “full nationalisation of the rail system to lower overall prices”.
Megan, a University of Edinburgh student who uses Scotrail to commute to campus, told The Student she’s “lucky enough to afford it after the price increases”, but “can’t justify it”.
“I don’t think there is an excuse for such a poor service”.
Images via Molly Rian Beairsto