When you travel with ScotRail, your ticket goes so much further than you might think.
Whether you’re visiting family and friends, getting to and from work, or embarking on a big day out, you’re also helping to support hundreds of charities, community groups and businesses right across the country.
That’s because ScotRail is owned and funded by the people of Scotland. And when everyone pays their fare, so much more can be done to improve rail services and help amazing projects in communities just like yours.
It’s one of the reasons why ScotRail is making it even easier to buy your ticket before you board.
It’s also why it has launched new measures to reduce ticketless travel, including more ticket checks at stations, increased staffing, and monitoring of self-service ticket machines.
It’s currently estimated that around £10million of public money is lost each year to fare evasion on ScotRail services. And fraudulent travel affects everyone, including your communities and people like you.
So, by buying your ticket before you board, you have the chance to make a difference to local lives.
You can buy online using the ScotRail app or at scotrail.co.uk, in station ticket offices, or at ticket vending machines.
Single, Return, Advance, Flexipass and Season Tickets can also be bought as mTickets through the free ScotRail app, and are available to download instantly.
One of the many community-based programmes that ScotRail operates is the ‘Adopt a Station’ programme, which provides funds to volunteer groups at more than 200 Scottish stations to help them improve the physical environment.
Among them are Friends of Wemyss Bay Station in Inverclyde, who, in addition, to further enhancing their beautiful Grade A listed village station by providing flower and plant displays throughout the year, have also created a second-hand bookshop and a picture gallery within the station building.
The facilities aim to welcome passengers passing through the station, as well as act as a community centre, with regular events and support for local artists and authors.
At Saltcoats station in North Ayrshire, part of the old railway station has been converted into what is now known as The Training Station, a cutting-edge community space offering a base for the Shibumi Karate Club, and many other community groups and events.
By commuting, travelling and adventuring by rail, and being one of millions to make your way through any of the country’s stations, you’re helping community groups like these carry out their amazing work.
This is your railway, and your ticket has a huge impact. Together, we can improve rail services, support local businesses, and create opportunities for people to thrive.