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ScotRail cuts peak fares in Scotland
From September 1 peak rail fares will be scrapped and off peak pricing will apply to all ScotRail travel.
The Scottish government ends peak pricing, making the off peak fare the standard on all ScotRail journeys from September
ScotRail cuts peak fares in Scotland
ScotRail will remove peak fares from September 1, making the off peak price the standard on all services. The change cuts the Glasgow to Edinburgh anytime day return from £32.60 to £16.80, a substantial saving for regular travelers. The policy reflects a long policy arc in Scotland, with peak fares first abolished in October 2023, briefly reinstated, and finally scrapped permanently in 2025 after a budget rethink. ScotRail says the move offers a simpler, more affordable option for work and leisure travel and aims to shift people from cars to trains. Some routes already have no off peak price, so those journeys will see no change. Season tickets remain at current prices until September 27, and Flexipass prices will be adjusted from September 1 to preserve savings for part time or hybrid commuters. The website and app will be updated by August 22 to reflect the changes.
Key Takeaways
"From September 1 this year, peak rail fares in Scotland will be scrapped for good"
John Swinney announcement on end of peak fares
"This is fantastic news, not only for our existing customers, but for everyone across the country considering rail travel"
Joanne Maguire ScotRail managing director
"By removing peak fares, we are making ticketing more simple and more straightforward while at the same time supporting a shift towards sustainable public transport"
Fiona Hyslop transport secretary
"Last year, in the face of severe budget pressures, we took the difficult decision to end the peak fares pilot on our railways"
John Swinney
The policy shift could push more people to choose trains, reducing traffic and emissions if demand holds steady. A simpler fare structure can remove confusion and hesitation, but it also concentrates pricing risk in a single calendar window. The £16.80 saving on the Glasgow to Edinburgh return is meaningful for regular commuters, yet the overall effect depends on service reliability and the cost of other ticket categories.
The government frames the reform as a step toward easier, climate friendly travel, while critics warn it relies on budget led policy rather than a long term transport strategy. The real test will be whether cheaper tickets translate into lasting travel behavior changes and whether rail services stay reliable as demand grows.
Highlights
- Fare simplicity could rewire daily commuting
- Cheaper clearer tickets empower every commuter
- Public transport finally feels simple and fair
- If more people choose trains roads breathe easier
Budget pressures and political backlash
The move ties public transport pricing to government finances, inviting scrutiny from commuters, opposition voices, and business groups. Critics may view it as a response to budget constraints rather than a standsalone long term transport plan.
Time will tell if price cuts translate into lasting travel changes
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