Return of peak rail fares a costly blow for commuters and climate
The return of peak rail fares in Scotland will be a costly blow for commuters and our climate, says the Scottish Greens transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP.
Mr Ruskell’s comments came on the morning that peak rail fares returned to Scotland, following a 12 month pilot to remove them that was secured by the Scottish Greens.
The fare hike means that someone travelling between Glasgow and Edinburgh at peak times will see a return fare increase from £16.20 to £31.40.
Mr Ruskell said: “A lot of commuters will have an unpleasant surprise when they pay for their tickets this morning and see that prices are higher than ever.
“Peak rail fares are fundamentally unfair. They disproportionately impact people who have no say over when they need to travel for work or study. Bringing them back will do nothing to help workers or students or to encourage people out of their cars.
“Many regular commuters have saved hundreds of pounds on their fares over the last year, and some of the rises they will now face are staggering.
“If we want to build a transport system that works for people and planet then we need to ensure that rail is always an affordable and reliable option. People in Scotland already pay some of the highest fares in Europe and this will only make it worse.
Mr Ruskell added: “The removal of peak rail fares was one of the most important changes that the Scottish Greens secured in government. I am proud of the work we did with trade unions and campaigners to deliver it.
“I hope that the SNP will reconsider this decision, and that we will see peak fares removed permanently.”
