ScotRail fares to be frozen for 12 months by Scottish Government

The Scottish Government has announced that ScotRail fares will be frozen for the next year.

First Minister John Swinney said the move is part of his focus on easing the cost of living in the country.

The latest announcement comes just under six months after the Government scrapped peak fares for good in an effort to encourage more people to ditch their cars and travel by rail.

The freeze will apply to all Scotrail train tickets, including season tickets and Flexipass.

Speaking at Edinburgh Waverley station, the First Minister said: “I know the cost of living crisis is still hurting people across Scotland – and this government is determined to take action to support people wherever we can.

“Freezing rail fares is an important way for us to keep people’s costs down and keep more money in their pockets.

“This follows the removal of peak fares for good across ScotRail services – which brought fares down by up to 48%

“The Scottish Government is resolutely focused on supporting people with the cost of living – and food, electricity and other costs continue to rise, we are taking action to keep the costs of people’s commute down.”

Cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop believes the price freeze will “maintain the attractiveness and affordability of rail”.

She said: “From September last year, Scotland became the only part of the UK to remove peak fares, the biggest reform to rail fares in decades.

“With lower fares, more staff than ever before, and growing passengers and services numbers, we are delivering on our aim to make Scotland’s publicly owned operator an even greater success.”