Peak-time ScotRail fares scrapped for further three months, announced First Minister John Swinney

Peak-time rail fares across Scotland have been scrapped for a further three months, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

The removal of the higher ticket prices across ScotRail services was due to end on June 28, but will now run until the end of September 2024.

First Minister John Swinney made the announcement during a visit to a Fife Expo at Waverley Station, part of the Levenmouth Rail link opening celebrations.

During the newly extended period, all off-peak fares and products that are set and controlled by ScotRail will be valid for travel all day.

John Swinney on May 7, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ken Jack/Getty Images). Getty Images

It comes after calls were made for transport secretary Fiona Hyslop to make the scheme permanent.

The heads of Aslef, the TSSA, the RMT and Unite, the assistant general secretary of the STUC, and senior figures from Friends of the Earth Scotland, the Just Transition Partnership, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland and Transform Scotland wrote to Ms Hyslop in March.

The letter claimed that peak rail fares were an “unfair tax on workers” and present a barrier to rail travel for many.

Making the pilot permanent will help on both climate change and the economy, the group said.

The First Minister said: “The Scottish Government’s ambition to enhance our railways and make public transport easier and more affordable is clear.

“We know new rail investment can create real education, business and tourism opportunities and help breathe life into communities. This is currently most apparent with the soon-to-open £116m Levenmouth rail link.

“Bold initiatives such as our ScotRail Peak Fares Removal pilot help build on this investment by encouraging more people to switch from car and opt to use the train.

“By extending this pilot for a further three months, we can better understand its impacts in terms of encouraging people to choose rail. It also helps tackle inequalities by making commuting, day trips and access to leisure activities even more affordable for all.

“I would encourage passengers to use this opportunity, not just for the daily commute but to see all that Scotland has to offer – that might even include a trip on the Levenmouth rail link or a visit to the Fife Expo.

“People already benefitting from the Peak Fares Removal trial should encourage their friends and family to get on board and use it too.”

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail managing director, said: “The removal of peak fares trial has been a hugely exciting opportunity for Scotland’s Railway to encourage more people across the country to choose rail travel.

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has decided to extend the trial, and it gives even more people the opportunity to take advantage of more affordable journeys.

“Everyone at ScotRail is working hard to deliver the best possible journey experience for our customers, and encourage people to make travelling by train their mode of transport.”