The Scottish Government is facing criticism for its decision to reinstate peak rail fares across the country after a year-long pilot scheme aimed at encouraging reduced car usage and addressing rising living costs. The flat rate fare experiment, part of the Scottish National Party’s power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens, did not lead to a significant increase in passenger numbers, prompting the controversial move to reintroduce peak fares.
Data from Transport Scotland indicates that vehicle ownership in Scotland reached a record 3.09 million in 2022, with 82% being cars and 75% of households having access to one or more vehicles. The UK Committee on Climate Change has expressed concerns that Scotland’s climate targets are “no longer credible,” citing the government’s inability to demonstrate how it will achieve a 20% reduction in car kilometers by 2030.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced that the pilot scheme resulted in only a 6.8% increase in rail usage at a cost of £40 million, primarily benefiting frequent train users and wealthier passengers. The additional subsidy needed to sustain the scheme was deemed unaffordable amid current financial pressures. Consequently, peak fares will be reinstated for all ScotRail services starting September 27, with the return fare between Edinburgh and Glasgow increasing to £31.40. Hyslop noted that discounts on annual season tickets and multi-buy tickets would help mitigate the impact on passengers.
Trade unions and opposition parties have condemned this decision, with the Scottish TUC and the rail union Aslef labeling it shortsighted and regressive. Scottish Labour’s transport spokesperson, Alex Rowley, attributed the low uptake of flat rate fares to disruptions in ScotRail services caused by cuts and timetable changes due to a driver shortage.
The reintroduction of peak rail fares raises concerns about the Scottish Government’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis and its ability to provide an efficient and affordable public transport system. As the country navigates the challenges of the pandemic and its economic repercussions, the decision to end the flat rate fare experiment is expected to face ongoing scrutiny and criticism from various stakeholders.
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