THE scrapping of peak rail fares has been hailed as a “historic move” by the SNP ahead of the roll out of the new policy on Monday.
The Scottish Government announced in May that peak fares would be abolished in a bid to make rail travel a more accessible option for commuters and to encourage more Scots to take less car journeys to help lower carbon emissions.
Peak rail fares on all ScotRail services will be scrapped by Monday in what the SNP has described as a policy delivering “a transport system that serves people over profit” as the party pledged to help ease the cost of living crisis for people across Scotland.
Ahead of the peak fares being scrapped, SNP members will be at stations across the country to highlight the decision by the Scottish Government to make rail travel more affordable for commuters.
SNP deputy leader, Keith Brown (right), hailed the policy as a “historic move” which will help open up opportunities to rail travelers along with helping fight the climate emergency.
“The SNP is taking a major step by scrapping peak rail fares and making public transport work better for the people of Scotland,” he said.
“Folk in Scotland deserve a transport system that serves people over profit, and that is what the SNP is delivering.
“This isn’t just about cheaper tickets but it’s also about opening up opportunities, supporting our economy, and tackling climate change.”
Brown added: “We are making Scotland’s rail network fairer and more attractive for everyone - and it’s the kind of forward thinking policy we can deliver when we have the power to do so.
“This historic move underlines how decisions made here in Scotland, for Scotland, can deliver real, lasting benefits for the people who live and work here - it's a glimpse of what Scotland could achieve with the full powers of independence.”
From September 1, ScotRail passengers will pay the same price for tickets purchased before 9am as they would for later services.
Once the extra charges are removed, super off-peak tickets will also be scrapped.
On average, commuters will save 35% on train fares once the peak time charges are gone.
Return fares from Edinburgh to Glasgow will see savings of £15.80, and returns between Inverness and Elgin will be cut by £8.50.
