Greens will cut the cost of rail
The Scottish Greens have announced plans to introduce a new Green Commuter Railcard.
Costing £35 a year, it will save cardholders one third on all of their journeys.
At present, rail discounts in Scotland are delivered through a range of railcards that are tied to specific age groups or circumstances. The Green Commuter Card would be in addition to these, with anyone eligible to buy one.
It would be modelled on the existing Network Railcard in the South East of England, which is designed to encourage regular travellers to take the train rather than drive and which saves average cardholders £154 a year.
The Green Commuter Card will build on the savings already delivered by the Scottish Greens through their work to abolish peak rail fares.
Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer said:
“Scotland has some of the most expensive trains in Europe. That cost is stopping a lot of regular commuters from choosing rail.
“That’s why the Scottish Greens abolished peak rail fares and it's why will introduce a Green Commuter Card. This card will immediately bring down the cost of catching the train, putting money back in people's pockets and helping them to leave the car at home.
“It will also cut costs for families and people who simply want to explore Scotland but are put off by the eye-watering costs.
“The Scottish Greens’ have a strong track record of cutting transport costs. We scrapped peak rail fares and delivered free bus travel for everyone under-22. This card would build on that success.
“A vote for the Scottish Greens on May 7th is a vote to demand better and cheaper train travel.”
