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Rail fares will be slashed in September when ScotRail ends peak rail fares. The move is the first of its kind in the UK and will save some rail users almost 50% on some routes. The policy was announced in May and will take effect from 1 September.
It means that customers will pay the same fare no matter what time they travel, or the day of the week - and aims to make train fares simpler, more flexible, and provide better value for money for rail users. A further aim of the change is to get more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail instead.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said that the move shows committment towards “sustainable public transport, protecting the climate, and saving people money.”
She said:“Public ownership has created the opportunity to deliver a railway which is run for the benefit of the nation. ScotRail is one of the fastest growing operators, with one of the best passenger satisfaction rates and we are building even further on this success by removing peak fares for good.
“We want more people to choose to travel by public transport for work, study and leisure but we know that many are still struggling with cost-of-living pressures. By removing peak fares, we are making ticketing more simple and more straightforward while at the same time supporting a shift towards sustainable public transport, protecting the climate, and saving people money.”
Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said: “This is fantastic news, not only for our existing customers, but for everyone across the country considering rail travel for their commute or leisure journeys.
“Travelling by train remains one of the most convenient ways to get around, and with simpler, more affordable fares, we hope to see many more people choose ScotRail.”
With the move on the horizon, we’ve taken a look at eight great day or weekend trips to take by rail. These trips are about more than just the destination, but also the journey. Travelling on the Highland Line will see you take in magnificent views of Rannoch and travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct – used in the Harry Potter films for the Hogwarts Express.
5. Loch Awe
If you're looking for fishing Lochawe is perfect for you. You can also see the immense Cruachan Power Station – also known as the Cruachan Dam – is a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station in Argyll and Bute with enough capacity to power almost one million homes. 2 hr 30 min from Glasgow Queen Street. Photo: John Devlin
6. Gretna Green
Gretna Green is historically known as being a place for eloping couples, however these days it is a place with a great outdoor shopping mall and some lovely pubs in near by Gretna. 2 hr 23 min from Glasgow Central | Katharine Hay
7. Balloch
Balloch is one of the best places to visit in Scotland full stop and it's a really good distance from Glasgow on the train. Loads of food places, walks around Loch Lomond and Balloch Castle Country Park make it a perfect day trip. 46min from Glasgow Queen Street. | Loch Lomond Leisure
8. Aviemore
Explore the Cairngroms after a rail adventure up to Aviemore. Stunning scenery, some of the nicest people you are likely to meet and incredible food - what more could you want? 2hr 30 mins from Glasgow Queen Street. | Macdonald