ScotRail fares increase across Scotland this week as off-peak trial ends
Train fares across Scotland are set to increase this Friday as ScotRail's off-peak fares trial comes to an end.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said she will be reintroducing peak fares during the busiest times from Friday, September 27. This means thousands of rush-hour commuters will face increased bills of up to £1536 a year, with some return trip prices almost doubling in price.
ScotRail also confirmed the news last month, on X (formerly Twitter), saying: "The Scottish Government has confirmed that the off-peak fares trial will come to an end on 27 September.
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"As the trial ends, we will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to encourage travel by rail, providing more people with the opportunity to use trains as their primary form of transport.
"For 12 months from 28 September 2024, this will include a 20 per cent discount on all season tickets. ScotRail will also increase the number of journeys offered on Flexipass from 10 to 12, giving customers two extra trips for the same price.
"Super off-peak day fares will also return on 30 September 2024."
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Transport Scotland said the trial was ended after it did not achieve its aim of persuading more people to swap cars for public transport. The organisation also said the scheme was ended due to financial pressure.
The Government’s decision to re-introduce peak time fares after hiking prices by 8.7 per cent in April will see some fares nearly doubling.
For example, a return on the Glasgow to Edinburgh service will increase from £16.20 to £31.40.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “My Ministerial colleagues and I understand the end of this pilot will be disappointing for many rail users, particularly those who cannot choose when they travel to and from work. The 12-month discount on all ScotRail season tickets – coupled with the significant savings to be made using Flexipass - is aimed at offering value savings for those very passengers.
“While the Peak Fares Removal Pilot was a welcome incentive over the last 12 months, analysis has shown it would have required a 10 per cent increase in passenger numbers for the policy to be self-financing, and a more significant modal shift. The Scottish Government would be open to consider future subsidy to remove peak fares should UK budget allocations improve in future years.”