ScotRail must be ‘affordable and reliable’ to encourage more people to leave cars at home. The publicly-owned network is set to reintroduce a full timetable of services on Monday for the first time since July. Despite this positive development, passengers and politicians have expressed concerns over the reintroduction of peak time fares, which have significantly increased the cost of travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Criticism has also been directed at ScotRail for running fewer services compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2020. Additionally, a “temporary” ban on the consumption of alcohol on trains, which has not been consistently enforced, remains in place. Green MSP Mark Ruskell has joined trade unions in calling for peak time fares to be permanently scrapped and for more frequent services on key routes.
Ruskell emphasised the importance of making trains accessible, affordable, and reliable to encourage commuters to choose public transport over cars. He highlighted the role of the railway in reducing transport emissions and meeting climate targets. Ruskell criticised the Scottish Government for increasing prices with peak fares and reducing services, stating that such actions hinder efforts to increase passenger numbers.
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman acknowledged the importance of the normal ScotRail timetable returning and highlighted initiatives to build emerging markets such as leisure travel. ScotRail has been recruiting more drivers to decrease reliance on staff working rest days. Over 250 drivers have been recruited since the network returned to public ownership in 2022. ScotRail service delivery director, Mark Ilderton, expressed gratitude for customers’ patience during a challenging period and confirmed the return of the full timetable on Monday.
The goal is to continue growing Scotland’s railway, encourage greater demand for rail services, and provide extensive discounts for peak period travel. ScotRail’s efforts to improve services and customer experience are ongoing, with a focus on meeting the needs of passengers and ensuring a reliable and affordable rail network for all.