MSPs welcome ScotRail's peak rail fares being scrapped

ScotRail will remove peak rail fares on services from Monday, September 1 <i>(Image: Archives)</i>
ScotRail will remove peak rail fares on services from Monday, September 1 (Image: Archives)
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Local commuters could save more than £2,000 a year due to the scrapping of peak rail fares on ScotRail services.

The move, effective from the start of September, has been heralded by SNP's Annabelle Ewing MSP, for the Cowdenbeath constituency, as a significant relief for constituents.

Ms Ewing said: "The cost of living is at the top of everyone’s minds - and the SNP has taken action by lowering the cost of a train journey for everyone in Scotland.

"Making train fares cheaper for commuters is good for people’s pockets and will be good for the environment if it attracts others to leave the car at home and let the train take the strain."

She further noted the potential savings for constituents: "Scrapping peak rail fares will save local commuters a considerable sum of money.

"For those travelling to Edinburgh every working day of the year, it could be from over £1,200 to over £2,000 a year."

While expressing satisfaction with the present move, Ms Ewing acknowledged the need for continued improvements in service reliability and passenger comfort.

She said she would persist in pushing for these enhancements.

Mark Ruskell, the Scottish Green MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, also praised the abolition of peak fares, describing it as a significant victory for commuters and the environment.

Mr Ruskell said: "This is a really welcome change and one that Greens worked hard to deliver.

"I am delighted that the Scottish Government has agreed to remove this unfair tax on workers, students and regular travellers.

"For too long, peak rail fares have penalised people who often have no say on when and where they need to travel.

"Commuters in Mid-Scotland and Fife will save hundreds, if not thousands of pounds per year from peak rail fares ending permanently.

"I hope that this will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and catch the train, making our roads safer and doing their part for the planet."

Calling for more, Mr Ruskell said: "Travel shouldn’t cost the earth.

"The Scottish Greens want to continue making our public transport here in Scotland the best it possibly can be; affordable, accessible, and eco-friendly, so that we can protect our planet and make our roads and communities cleaner, greener and safer for everyone."

While the initiative aims to make travel more affordable and promote sustainable transport, the focus remains on continually enhancing the quality of service and passenger experience for all commuters.

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