1,000 signatures reached
To: Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport
Permanently scrap peak fare pricing across ScotRail services
The Scottish Trades Union Congress, affiliated unions and environmental organisations are calling on the Scottish Government to permanently scrap peak fare pricing across all ScotRail services. This change would make train travel more affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of when they need to travel.
While the recent trial period of peak fare removal was a positive step toward improving access to public transport, its short-term nature was insufficient to create lasting behavioural shifts or fully capture the potential benefits of long-term fare reform.
Permanently scrapping peak fares would reduce financial pressure on commuters, particularly those who rely on trains during peak hours, and encourage a broader cultural shift toward public transport use. This change would support Scotland’s goals for greener, more sustainable travel while promoting social equity.
While the recent trial period of peak fare removal was a positive step toward improving access to public transport, its short-term nature was insufficient to create lasting behavioural shifts or fully capture the potential benefits of long-term fare reform.
Permanently scrapping peak fares would reduce financial pressure on commuters, particularly those who rely on trains during peak hours, and encourage a broader cultural shift toward public transport use. This change would support Scotland’s goals for greener, more sustainable travel while promoting social equity.
Why is this important?
Abolishing peak fares will help reduce financial strain on commuters, particularly low-income workers and essential service providers who are disproportionately affected by the current pricing system. These individuals, often with no choice but to travel during rush hours, face inflated fares that make everyday commuting a heavy financial burden. By scrapping peak fares, we can create a more inclusive and equitable transport system that ensures fair access for all, regardless of schedule.
This change would also support the Scottish Government’s broader climate ambitions by encouraging a shift away from private car usage. Lower rail fares will make public transport a more attractive and viable option, helping to reduce congestion, lower emissions, and decrease Scotland's reliance on cars. It presents a clear opportunity for the government to demonstrate leadership in providing accessible, affordable, and sustainable public services.
With the cost of living continuing to rise, the Scottish Government has a unique opportunity to support working families and everyday commuters by permanently abolishing peak fares. This move would send a powerful message that Scotland is committed to providing equitable and accessible public services. It would not only address social inequality but also contribute significantly to the country’s environmental goals.
The recent trial period of peak fare removal has already demonstrated the policy's benefits. Commuters reported significant savings, and rail usage increased by 7 percent. This data indicates that eliminating peak fares on a permanent basis has the potential to drive long-term behavioural change, with more people choosing sustainable, greener transport options.
This change would also support the Scottish Government’s broader climate ambitions by encouraging a shift away from private car usage. Lower rail fares will make public transport a more attractive and viable option, helping to reduce congestion, lower emissions, and decrease Scotland's reliance on cars. It presents a clear opportunity for the government to demonstrate leadership in providing accessible, affordable, and sustainable public services.
With the cost of living continuing to rise, the Scottish Government has a unique opportunity to support working families and everyday commuters by permanently abolishing peak fares. This move would send a powerful message that Scotland is committed to providing equitable and accessible public services. It would not only address social inequality but also contribute significantly to the country’s environmental goals.
The recent trial period of peak fare removal has already demonstrated the policy's benefits. Commuters reported significant savings, and rail usage increased by 7 percent. This data indicates that eliminating peak fares on a permanent basis has the potential to drive long-term behavioural change, with more people choosing sustainable, greener transport options.