Daily Record readers are calling for the Scottish Government to reconsider the cost of train travel as passengers brace for the return of peak time fares this week. From September 27, commuters will face a steep rise in ticket prices if they use ScotRail services before 9.30am or between 4.30-6pm on weekdays. Readers and rail users have been having their say in our comments section.
The SNP government had previously scrapped peak time fares in a bid to boost passenger numbers following the devastating impact of repeated Covid lockdowns on the rail network. However, the pilot project was ditched in August, meaning the cost of a day return ticket between Glasgow and Edinburgh will jump from £16.20 to £31.40.
The decision to reintroduce peak fares has been heavily criticised by the Scottish Greens, who campaigned for their abolition while in government. MSP Mark Ruskell argued that reducing the cost of railway travel was a small price to pay if it led to higher passenger numbers in the long term. He warned: “The return of peak rail fares will be a disaster for commuters and our climate. Rail users in Scotland already pay some of the highest fares in Europe.”
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In response, a spokesperson for Transport for Scotland said: “Ministers understand this will be disappointing for many rail users, particularly for those who cannot choose when they travel to and from work. There is no doubt that this has been a challenging period for rail travel but Ministers are hopeful that services can get back to normal soon and Scotland’s Railway will continue to grow.”
Commenter Drrfc says: “Train services have been cut back so much it no longer represents a viable alternative. My route into Glasgow has only hourly trains running whereas before they were every 30 minutes. Missing a train is an issue. So increasing the cost whilst running a reduced service is unlikely to increase passenger numbers.”
Bawz agrees: “Some of the most expensive fares in Europe, a bizarre timetable. can’t get a train after 11.30pm in 2024 and they randomly cancel most trains on a Sunday. There are limited services between Glasgow and Edinburgh and a brand new station like Motherwell has barely any trains going to Edinburgh. Everything and I mean everything is so badly done by ScotRail, it’s a total embarrassment compared to the rest of the European rail operators. It’s back to the motor for me!”
Symonbqm adds: “I’ll be switching back to the bus network and asking a question via my MP (Lorna Slater) for ScotRail revenues immediately pre and post the re-introduction of peak fares.”
Dovestar rages: “Quick enough to reinstate peak fares but not the full timetable! This is price hiking and service cutting by stealth and needs much more scrutiny and publicity.”
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Jeri101 thinks: “I thought nationalising the railway would be a good thing, how wrong I was. The SNP are on a suicide mission with policies like this, it defeats the purpose of encouraging more people to use the train.”
Dalif agrees: “SNP: ‘we hate cars! Everyone use public transport.’ Also SNP: ‘let’s make public transport so expensive nobody can use it!'”
Dissidentfromnorthbritain suggests: “Why not just boycott Scotrail? Even the off peak fares are ludicrously overpriced. It’s not like the majority of people need to go to city centres any more anyway.”
Haveaword asks: “When the SNP announced the price freeze to off-peak rates only, they increased the off-peak fares. Will they reduce the off-peak fare rates back?”
Sunnsand adds: “Why should it be more expensive at peak times anyway?! That’s just exploiting workers.”
Neilyboy1 writes: “Why should the taxpayer who does not use trains have to subsidise cheap rail fares?”
Mrhugo replies: “The same could be asked of education & social work. I don’t have any children, yet I still pay for it in my council tax. Maybe I am subsidising your kids’ education?”
Will you be affected by the rail hikes? Will you be forced back into your car again? Have your say in our comments section.