5 days ago
Changes to SPT cut price rail travel scheme revealed
SPT has revised its fares from September 1 to offer a discount of 1/3 off all train fares in the Strathclyde area.
Just now it is a 50% discount.
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SPT said the change was necessary to protect financial stability.
Some fares will be higher and some lower than the current scheme.
It said the deal is still good value for most fares as the discount of one-third is from fares that are now lower.
Examples given are an anytime single fare of £4.50 would at present cost £2.25 and with he new deal would cost £3.00
But the return off peak fare of £4.70 will change from £3.55 to £3.15.
Chair of the Joint Committee, Councillor Stephen Dornan said: 'The removal of the Anytime fare structure (peak fares) means we need to review the concession structure to ensure the scheme remains viable, and rail concession remains in the scheme.
"The additional costs arise from the increase in reimbursement to ScotRail which the scheme would be expected to meet.
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'To maintain the SCTS, the only option in the time available to consider, is to adjust the discount offered on the lower, off-peak fares.
"The concession fare remains a reduced fare funded by the 12 west of Scotland local authorities.'
SPT said the change to one-third off all rail tickets brings the SCTS into line with other discounted rail tickets including the Over 60s Senior Railcard and the Disabled Persons Railcard. These cards also require an annual upfront payment of £35 and £25 which the SCTS does not.
It said 'As the SCTS is not designed to support commuting travel, current restrictions on when the discounted tickets can be used will still apply ie only available for use after 9:15am.
'As the majority of rail concession tickets sold are on a return basis, the new return concession fares should remain similar to the previous fare which offered 50% off an Anytime Return and in some cases may result in a small reduction for passengers. For those purchasing single tickets, the new single concession fare would increase.'
