The pilot scheme that aimed to scrap peak-time ScotRail fares will come to an end next month, after being deemed only partially successful. According to Transport Scotland, the trial, which was subsidized by the Scottish government, cost £40 million but did not meet its goal of encouraging more individuals to opt for rail travel over driving. The scheme, which initially launched in October of last year, was extended past its initial six-month run but will now end on September 27th.
During the trial, the cost of a rush hour ticket between Edinburgh and Glasgow was reduced from £28.90 to £14.90. However, once the pilot ends, the fare will increase to £31.40. Similarly, passengers traveling between Inverness and Elgin experienced a drop in fares from £22 to £14.40, and those traveling between Glasgow and Stirling had their ticket prices reduced from £16.10 to £9.60.
Critics have expressed disappointment with the decision, labeling it a “hammer blow” to commuters and the environment. Fiona Hyslop, the Transport Secretary, stated that analysis showed the pilot primarily benefited existing train passengers and those with medium to higher incomes. While passenger levels did increase by a maximum of around 6.8%, the scheme would need a 10% increase to become self-financing.
Hyslop acknowledged the benefits of the pilot in providing savings for many passengers during the cost of living crisis but also noted that the current level of subsidy is not sustainable in the current financial climate. The Scottish government plans to reintroduce super off-peak tickets, as well as implement a 12-month discount on all ScotRail season tickets. Additionally, new “flexipasses” will be introduced, allowing for 12 single journeys for the price of 10 if used within 60 days. Hyslop also mentioned that the government would be open to considering future subsidy to remove peak fares if the UK budget allocations to the Scottish government improve in the future.
In other news, ASLEF and LNER have been urged to meet ahead of fresh train strikes, and thousands of fare evasion prosecutions are set to be quashed. Jim Baxter, ASLEF executive council member, expressed anger and disappointment with the decision, while Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell described it as “very bad news for our environment.” Ruskell added that the move would negatively impact workers who have no control over when they need to be at work, and that a permanent change could have encouraged more individuals to opt for sustainable travel methods. He also noted that the decision would add extra costs for people during a challenging time. Ruskell urged that every pound saved on travel could go towards other essential expenses for households and families all over Scotland.