ScotRail peak fares set to be scrapped from Monday following announcement from John Swinney

Peak ScotRail fares across Scotland will be officially scrapped in the coming days.

From Monday, travellers will pay the off-peak price on all services regardless of time or day of the week.

It is hoped the move, announced by John Swinney in May, will encourage more people to ditch their cars and travel by railway.

Commuters who currently pay £32.60 for an anytime day return between Glasgow and Edinburgh will now see prices slashed by almost half to the off-peak rate of £16.80.

The ScotRail website and app was updated last week, with peak fare options removed for any tickets for travel from September 1 onwards.

Peak fares will be scrapped from September 1. ScotRail

‘Scrapped for good’

Peak fares covered tickets bought before 09:15 on weekdays and certain services between 16:42 and 18:30.

They were previously ditched by the Scottish Government by former first minister Humza Yousaf in October 2023.

However, they were brought back in September 2024 by the Scottish Government “in light of financial challenges”.

Swinney announced a U-turn on the decision in the SNP’s Programme for Government in May, confirming the fares would be “scrapped for good”.

“Last year, in the face of severe budget pressures, we took the difficult decision to end the peak fares pilot on our railways”, he said.

“But now, given the work we have done to get Scotland’s finances in a stronger position, and hearing also the calls from commuters, from climate activists and from the business community, I can confirm that, from September 1 this year, peak rail fares in Scotland will be scrapped for good.”

The change is part of the Government’s push for net-zero, with rail travel contributing less than half of carbon emissions for a 20-minute trip compared to car journeys.

Some routes with existing off-peak fares will see no change.

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail managing director, said: “This is fantastic news, not only for our existing customers, but for everyone across the country considering rail travel for their commute or leisure journeys.

“Travelling by train remains one of the most convenient ways to get around, and with simpler, more affordable fares, we hope to see many more people choose ScotRail.”