Peak fares are to be abolished again on ScotRail from 1 September in line with a government promise, and the First Minister says that this time the change will be ‘for good’.

The change will cut some fares by almost half, with a return to Edinburgh from Glasgow coming down from £32.60 to £16.80, which is a reduction of just over 48 per cent, while a return from Inverkeithing to Edinburgh will now be £7.40, rather than £12.60.

Peak fares had been abolished experimentally in October 2023, a reform which boosted passenger numbers but did not yield the additional revenue for which ministers had been hoping, and peak fares returned in September 2024.

However, in May this year, First Minister John Swinney told MSPs: ‘Last year, in the face of severe budget pressures, we took the difficult decision to end the peak fares pilot on our railways.

‘But now, given the work we have done to get Scotland’s finances in a stronger position, and hearing also the calls from commuters, from climate activists and from the business community, I can confirm that, from 1 September this year, peak rail fares in Scotland will be scrapped for good.’

Season ticket rates will remain unchanged until 27 September and railcard discounts will continue to apply, although Super Off-Peak Day Return tickets will be withdrawn. ScotRail said this was because the removal of peak fares meant passengers will now ‘benefit from great value fares all day, every day’.

Flexipass tickets will be adjusted to ensure they continue to offer discounts on the ordinary fares.

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said: ’Public ownership has created the opportunity to deliver a railway which is run for the benefit of the nation. ScotRail is one of the fastest growing operators, with one of the best passenger satisfaction rates and we are building even further on this success by removing peak fares for good.

‘We want more people to choose to travel by public transport for work, study and leisure but we know that many are still struggling with cost-of-living pressures. 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, protecting the climate, and saving people money.’

ScotRail was renationalised on 1 April 2022, when the government took advantage of a break point in Abellio’s contract.

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