ScotRail train fares to increase by nearly 9%, Scottish Government confirms

Trains fares across Scotland will increase by almost 9% in the new year.

Transport Scotland confirmed the fares increase it will put in place for 2024.

From April, all ScotRail fares will increase by 8.7%.

Weeks later, the peak fares removal pilot will end, having been extended until June.

Caledonian Sleeper fares will increase on average by 8.7% from January 1, excluding seated tickets, Transport Scotland said.

The national transport agency said ministers agreed the fares after “lengthy consideration” to ensure rail services are sustainable in the longer term and that “budgets align with the overall funding available”.

“We know that any increase is unwelcome for passengers, therefore we have kept the rise as low as possible to maintain the attractiveness and affordability of rail as a travel option,” said minister for transport Fiona Hyslop.

“The Scottish Government rightly made the decision to freeze flexi-pass and season ticket prices as part of its response to the cost of living crisis. While this has now remained in place for almost two years, it is simply no longer sustainable.

“We are committed to investing in public transport and through this latest budget we will provide more than £2.5bn to support it. This includes over £1.6bn to operate, maintain and improve Scotland’s railway, £430m in funding for concessionary travel and bus services, and £434m to operate and invest in our ferries.”