Latest news with #SuperOff-Peak
The National
11-08-2025
- Business
- The National
ScotRail scrapping peak rail fares – 3 things you need to know
The Scottish Government announced in May this year that the peak fares would be abolished to make costs simpler and provide more value for money, as well as encouraging more people to opt for rail travel rather than taking a car. The change is part of the Government's push for Net Zero, with rail travel contributing less than half of carbon emissions for a 20-minute trip compared to car journeys. READ MORE: Seven things we learnt from Nicola Sturgeon's autobiography Frankly Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, 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.' When will peak rail fares be scrapped in Scotland? From September 1, ScotRail passengers will pay the same price for tickets purchased before 9am as they would for later services. Once the extra charges are removed, Super Off-Peak tickets will also be scrapped. How much money will I save? On average, commuters will save 35% on train fares once the peak time charges are gone. Return fares from Edinburgh to Glasgow will see savings of £15.80, and returns between Inverness and Elgin will be cut by £8.50 How does the change affect other ticket types and rail cards? ScotRail currently sells several different ticket types outside of their standard single and return fares. Railcards, concession and other discount options will remain valid for travel after 9:15am. Season Tickets will retain their current prices until September 27, whilst Flexipass tickets will see adjusted prices from September 1 to ensure they still offer savings compared to purchasing several single or return tickets. Customers are advised to check the ScotRail app or website from August 22 to see what the changes will look like come September 1.
Scotsman
11-08-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scotrail peak fares to be scrapped with Edinburgh to Glasgow train journeys almost half the price
In a first for rail travel anywhere in Britain, peak fares are set to be scrapped for good for customers travelling on ScotRail services from September 1. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The policy announced by the Scottish Government in May this year is aiming 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. Removing peak fares will mean significant savings for customers across the country, with some journeys set to reduce by almost 50 per cent – including those between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From Monday, September 1, customers will pay the same fare no matter what time they travel, or the day of the week. Examples of the massive savings to be made include Edinburgh to Glasgow train fares dropping by 48 per cent, down by £15.80 to just £16.80 for a return, while Edinburgh to Inverkeithing return train fares will drop by £5.20 (41 per cent) down to £7.40. There are some routes where no off-peak fare exists because the same fare is already available at any time of the day, and as such, customers will not see any change in those areas. Customers can check the ScotRail website or the app, to see off-peak fares for their route, and get set for savings when peak fares are removed. The website and app will be updated by Friday, August 22, when the peak fare options will be removed for any tickets for travel from September 1 onwards. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Commuters and travellers at Edinburgh's Waverley Station. Picture: PA As part of the move to simpler and more flexible fares, a number of other tickets will also be updated. Season Tickets will remain at their current pricing until September 27. For regular travellers, this represents a saving of at least 40 per cent compared to purchasing five Anytime Day Return tickets at pre- September 1 prices. This discount was part of a 12-month offer launched in September 2024. Flexipass tickets will have adjusted pricing from September 1 to ensure they continue to offer a saving compared to buying multiple Anytime Single or Return tickets, while still providing flexibility for part-time or hybrid commuters. Super Off-Peak Day Return tickets will be withdrawn, as the removal of peak fares means customers now benefit from great value fares all day, every day. And, Railcards, concessions, and enhanced discounts will continue to be available, with most remaining valid for travel after 9.15am, in line with existing conditions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The significant change to the fare structure will support the Scottish Government's ambition to achieve net zero, providing more people with the opportunity to use trains as their primary form of transport. Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, 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.' ScotRail was recently ranked as one of the best train operating companies for customer satisfaction. With an overall satisfaction of 91 per cent, ScotRail is performing better than all other large operators in Britain. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Speaking about the scrapping of peak fares in Scotland, 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.'
