ScotRail’s Peak Fare Pilot Ends: £40M Experiment Fails to Shift Car Commuters, Leaving Climate and Consumers in the Lurch

ScotRail is set to reinstate peak pricing following the discontinuation of a trial program that failed to increase ridership. Transport Scotland disclosed that the experiment, which cost £40 million, fell short of its goal to motivate more individuals to switch from driving to taking the train. Opponents have described the move as a devastating setback for both daily commuters and environmental efforts.

Scottish correspondent @Jenster13

Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 3

An experimental program eliminating premium fares during peak hours on ScotRail will conclude next month after achieving only modest success.

Transport Scotland announced that the pilot program, funded by the Scottish government at a cost of £40 million, failed to meet its objectives of persuading more individuals to switch from car travel to using the railway.

The program, which started in October of the previous year and was prolonged beyond its original six-month duration, is set to conclude on September 27.

During the pilot program, the price of a peak-time train ticket from Edinburgh to Glasgow was reduced from £28.90 to £14.90. After the trial, the ticket price will rise to £31.40.

Passengers journeying from Inverness to Elgin experienced a reduction in their ticket costs from £22 to £14.40, and those traveling from Glasgow to Stirling saw prices decrease from £16.10 to £9.60.

Critics are calling the decision a severe setback for both commuters and environmental efforts.

Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop indicated that research demonstrated the pilot program mainly favored current train users and individuals with moderate to high incomes.

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While the number of passengers rose to nearly 6.8%, the program needs a boost of 10% in passenger numbers to become financially self-sustaining.

Ms. Hyslop stated, "The pilot program undoubtedly helped save passengers hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds amidst the cost of living crisis. However, such a subsidy is unsustainable in the present financial environment based solely on that criterion."

ScotRail is set to bring back super off-peak tickets and will also offer a year-long discount on all season tickets.

New "flexipasses" are now available, offering 12 individual trips for the cost of 10, valid for use within a 60-day period.

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Ms. Hyslop stated, "Should there be an increase in the UK budget allocations to Scotland, the Scottish government is willing to explore the possibility of subsidizing the elimination of peak fares in future years."

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Jim Baxter, a member of ASLEF's executive council, expressed that the union was "extremely upset and profoundly disillusioned."

Mark Ruskell, the Scottish Greens' spokesperson for transport, labeled the situation as "extremely detrimental to our environment."

He further stated, "This decision is a severe setback for numerous employees throughout Scotland who commute daily and lack any control over their work schedules."

"Altering habits takes time, and by solidifying this change, we might have inspired more individuals to modify their modes of transportation."

"This will impose additional financial burdens on individuals during a challenging period. Every pound conserved on transportation is another pound that can be allocated towards heating, groceries, or the numerous other costs that families across Scotland are facing."

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