Commuters to and from Glasgow mostly travel via ScotRail, which has been trialling all day Off-Peak train fares since October, 2023. While the initiative to bring back peak fares was meant to originally go ahead in June, 2024, the trial to sell all tickets at Off-Peak prices has now been extended until September 27, 2024.
First Minister John Swinney said at the Fife Expo at Waverley Station: “The Scottish Government’s ambition to enhance our railways and make public transport easier and more affordable is clear. We know new rail investment can create real education, business and tourism opportunities and help breathe life into communities. This is currently most apparent with the soon-to-open £116m Levenmouth rail link.”
“Bold initiatives such as our ScotRail Peak Fares Removal pilot help build on this investment by encouraging more people to switch from the car and opt to use the train. By extending this pilot for a further three months, we can better understand its impacts in terms of encouraging people to choose rail. It also helps tackle inequalities by making commuting, day trips and access to leisure activities even more affordable for all.
“I would encourage passengers to use this opportunity, not just for the daily commute but to see all that Scotland has to offer – that might even include a trip on the Levenmouth rail link or a visit to the Fife Expo. People already benefitting from the Peak Fares Removal trial should encourage their friends and family to get on board and use it too.”
Joanne Maguire, managing director at ScotRail said: “The removal of peak fares trial has been a hugely exciting opportunity for Scotland’s Railway to encourage more people across the country to choose rail travel. We are delighted that the Scottish Government has decided to extend the trial, and it gives even more people the opportunity to take advantage of more affordable journeys.
“Everyone at ScotRail is working hard to deliver the best possible journey experience for our customers, and encourage people to make travelling by train their mode of transport.”