Scottish Conservative and Unionist Roz McCall MSP for the Mid Scotland and Fife region has condemned the SNP’s decision to end the peak fare pilot scheme, which had significantly reduced costs for passengers traveling on key routes serving Fife.
Earlier this week, SNP Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed that the scheme will conclude on 27th September. As a result, from Monday 30th September, passengers will face substantial fare increases during peak travel times across Scotland. Research by the Scottish Conservatives reveals that the reintroduction of previous peak fares will lead to a 85.6% increase in ticket prices for the Perth to Edinburgh route that services Fife. For example, the current fare of £20.60 will rise to £40.10 when the scheme ends.
Roz McCall MSP said:
“These huge price hikes are a hammer blow for hard-pressed passengers. The removal of peak fares was a step in the right direction and should have been made permanent. Instead, passengers are now faced with paying significantly more as previous peak fares are reintroduced.”
“For those traveling on the Perth to Edinburgh route that services Fife, this means a 85.6% increase in ticket prices. This move does nothing to encourage people to switch from cars to trains and comes on top of the reduced timetable that passengers are currently enduring.”
“These price hikes starkly contrast with the affordable and reliable rail service the SNP promised when they took over ScotRail. Passengers in Fife are paying a heavy price for the SNP’s failures. It is up to the Transport Secretary to address this mess and ensure that our rail services are both accessible and affordable.”
