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Decision to scrap peak rail fares will be a huge win for Lanarkshire commuters

Decision to scrap peak rail fares will be a huge win for Lanarkshire commuters

Daily Record09-05-2025

'Transport must be affordable, accessible and widely available'
The Scottish Government's decision to scrap peak rail fares permanently has been welcomed by Gillian Mackay MSP.
The Lanarkshire-based Scottish Greens MSP says the decision taken by the SNP to take forward her own party's policy and U-turn on peak rail tickets is a huge win for commuters and climate.

The Scottish Greens first secured the pilot project for ending peak rail fares in 2023 while they were in government, but it was dropped by the SNP last year.

Gillian Mackay, the Scottish Greens MSP for Central Scotland Region, said: 'Peak rail fares have always been an unfair tax on workers, students and regular travellers. They penalise people who often have no say on when and where they need to travel.
'It will make a huge difference to people in Lanarkshire, who will save hundreds, if not thousands of pounds per year from peak rail fares being scrapped for good.
'Travel shouldn't cost the earth. Transport must be affordable, accessible and widely available for people and planet. That is why we want Scotland's public transport to be financially and environmentally affordable for everyone.
'By making it easier for people to choose public transport rather than taking the car, we can protect our planet and make our roads and communities cleaner, greener and safer for everyone.'
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