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Final day of cheaper rail fare scheme after almost a year

PA Media Image of a ScotRail train with one passenger getting on boardPA Media
Research suggests the pilot scheme has not increased passenger numbers

A government trial which scrapped peak-time rail prices ends on Friday after almost a year.

The Scottish government previously concluded the costs did not justify continuing the trial as it had not achieved its aim of persuading people to swap car journeys for rail travel.

Around £40m has been spent on the scheme, which began on 2 October last year.

The end of the trial means that from Monday, an anytime return ticket between Glasgow and Edinburgh will cost £31.40 instead of £16.20.

Ministers published research in August which found the trial had mainly benefitted existing passengers.

Passenger levels increased by a maximum of around 6.8% but the scheme required a 10% rise to be self-financing.

The price rise will come as ScotRail's temporary timetable, introduced due to a train drivers' dispute, is set to continue until at least 6 October.

Members of the Aslef union voted to accept the latest pay offer earlier this week.

Ministers have said they recognise many travellers will be disappointed at the return of peak rail fares but said other discounts are available.

Opposition parties and campaign groups have urged the Scottish government to think again.

A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said ministers would be open to a future subsidy to remove peak fares if UK budget allocations improved.

She said: "Ministers understand this will be disappointing for many rail users, particularly for those who cannot choose when they travel to and from work.

"That is why a 12-month discount on all ScotRail season tickets has been introduced, available weekly, monthly and annually."

Claire Dickie, ScotRail commercial director, said the rail operator was introducing new ways for customers to "lock in great value" on their regular peak-time train travel.

She said: "From 28 September, enhanced discounts with season tickets and flexipass mean customers can continue to save on peak-time rail travel.

"Whether you're commuting daily or travelling frequently on the same route, we'll continue to offer you great value on a safe, reliable, and green form of public transport."