Scotrail will no longer run the two-tier system of fare pricing

Campaigners have applauded the abolition of peak train fares in Scotland.

From today (1 September) Scotrail will no longer run the two-tier system of fare pricing based on when the public travel.

The move will cut costs on some journeys by up to 50%, Scotrail said.

A rail ticket from Edinburgh to Glasgow will be almost half the cost.

The aim is to get more commuters out of cars and onto trains.

Fares on routes that do not currently have peak time prices will be unchanged.

Scotland’s climate coalition, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS), has welcomed the scrapping of peak-time fares.

SCCS coalition manager Becky Kenton-Lake said: “Scrapping peak-time rail fares is a step in the right direction, saving passengers money, encouraging greater use of public transport and lowering climate-warming emissions.

“However, much more must be done to get people out of cars, with incentives and support for healthier and greener alternatives, including community-run transport schemes and provision of safe walking and cycling routes, alongside fair road user charging schemes.

“The Scottish Government should commit at least 10% of the transport budget to active travel, delivering long-term investment to transform our streets and communities. Bus travel should be free, fast and accessible, and brought into public or community ownership.

“Domestic transport is responsible for the biggest share of Scotland’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Getting more people out of cars and onto lower-carbon trains will help tackle climate change and cut air pollution from toxic petrol and diesel fumes into the bargain.”