End of the track for ScotRail peak-time fares
The end of peak rail fares on ScotRail services will be hailed by workers, students and regular commuters, says Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell.
The policy was first secured by the Scottish Greens in 2023 as a pilot while they were in Government, but it was dropped by the SNP in 2024 despite opposition from the Greens, rail users and trade unions.
In the year between the pilot project ending and the Scottish Government permanently introducing the Green policy, commuters across Scotland have had to pay eye-watering prices to travel at peak hours.
Mark said:
“Peak rail fares have always been a deeply unfair tax on people who have no say over when they need to travel, and I am delighted that we are finally rid of them.
“I’m glad that the Scottish Government has finally listened to the Greens, the trade unions and the rail users who were responsible for securing the initial pilot.
“This will not fully address the eyewatering cost of getting the train, but it is a big step in the right direction. All across Scotland there are workers, students and regular commuters who will save hundreds of pounds every year.
“If we are to build a railway for the 21st century then it must be available, accessible and affordable for all.
“There are a lot of people who use the car for long journeys because they feel they have no alternative. I hope that some of them will look at rail again. By taking action like this to cut the cost of public transport we can make sure it is always the best option.”