ScotRail launches half-price train ticket scheme as fares slashed across Scotland

ScotRail has announced a new ticket scheme which will see fares sold at half-price for a limited time in May.

The train operator has announced that it will slash 50% off all off-peak services between any two stations in Scotland between May 9 and 15.

Customers will have to purchase their tickets online during this period to get access to the discount, with outward travel valid between May 9 and 31.

All return trips from discounted tickets must be completed by June 30, 2022.

The scheme will see customers be able to purchase off-peak return tickets between destinations such as Edinburgh and Glasgow for £5.20.

An off-peak return between Edinburgh and Glasgow will cost just £9.55, while customers can travel between Inverness and Aberdeen for £23.85 return.

Lesley Kane, ScotRail commercial director, said: “The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way people travel, and it is an absolutely priority for ScotRail to do everything we can to attract customers to Scotland’s Railway.

“We are launching this fantastic offer because Scotland’s Railway is ‘Yours to Use’. We hope this offer means more people can get out and enjoy Scotland throughout the month of May, whether for a day out or a holiday.”

Chris Gibb, chief executive officer, Scottish Rail Holdings, said: “Passengers up and down the country have been impacted by the pandemic, not least in the cost of living crisis we are currently facing.

“We want people to come back to rail but know that we need to make it affordable to be a truly attractive alternative to using the car.

“The Scottish Government appreciates this is a short-term offer – that’s one of the reasons why it has committed to a fair fares review, which will consider public transport across differing modes and which will also look at affordability.

“Public ownership of ScotRail means delivering a service which listens and responds to passenger need – we will continue to work together to develop further initiatives with longer term benefits that make rail a better choice as we work towards our ambitious Net Zero targets.”