Train fare U-turn: ScotRail’s peak fare return has commuters feeling derailed

This had led some journeys to nearly double in price

2 months ago

As of Friday 27th September, ScotRail reintroduced peak fares following the conclusion of a year-long trial of discounted all-day off-peak prices. The trial, which aimed to make train more accessible, was ultimately deemed unsuccessful by the Scottish Government.

This means thousands of commuters are now facing significant fare increases, with some return journeys nearly doubling in price. While those under 22 with a Young Scot card can benefit from free bus travel, trains remain a faster and more convenient option for many commuters.

According to Glasgow Live, under the new fare structure, some routes will see especially steep increases. For example, a return ticket between Glasgow and Edinburgh will jump from £16.20 to £31.40, while the Largs-Glasgow return fare will rise from £12 to £18.90. Many commuters have raised concerns that the higher fares will make train travel unaffordable, particularly given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

With growing concerns about the climate crisis and road congestion, encouraging people to shift from cars to trains has never been more critical.

However, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop explained that the trial period, while boosting passenger numbers by 6.8 per cent, failed to meet the 10 per cent increase necessary for financial sustainability. This has sparked a debate on how best to balance environmental goals with fiscal realities.

The fare increases have prompted strong reactions from political opposition and unions. Kevin Lindsay, the Scottish organiser for Aslef, remarked that “removing them was a step in the right direction to make rail fares more affordable.”

Additionally, Scottish Conservative Councillor Todd Ferguson, described the move as “shameless,” warning that it will push more people back into cars, increasing congestion and emissions.

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Tory Transport Spokesperson Graham Simpson echoed these concerns, labelling the reintroduction of peak fares a: “tax on workers.” Scottish Labour also criticised the fare hikes, highlighting the disproportionate impact on commuters and calling for the government to reconsider.

Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson Mark Ruskell expressed his dismay to The Independent, saying: “A lot of commuters will have an unpleasant surprise when they pay for their tickets this morning and see that prices are higher than ever. Peak rail fares are fundamentally unfair. They disproportionately impact people who have no say over when they need to travel for work or study. Bringing them back will do nothing to help workers or students or to encourage people out of their cars.”

In response to the backlash, the Scottish Government will offer a 20 per cent discount on season tickets for 12 months and reintroduce super off-peak tickets. Additionally, the Flexipass will allow for 12 single journeys for the price of 10. However, given the impact on low-wage commuters and the pressing need for climate action, many are calling for stronger government prioritisation of affordable public transport.

Featured image via Pixabay