Why has ScotRail launched a new app and website and how do I access my tickets?

ScotRail has launched a new app and website for ticket bookings.

The rail operator has replaced the booking platform supplied by Trainline with a new digital ticketing system, which will become the main place for customers to buy tickets for journeys across Scotland.

From Thursday, all new ticket purchases must be made through the ScotRail New Official App or website.

Passengers were also urged to download any pre-bought tickets before the switch-over as they cannot be transferred, though they remain available to use for travel in the older app until it’s withdrawn on October 21.

Accounts will be transferred to the new supplier, although ScotRail has warned that not all data will move automatically. Customers will need to reset their password using the ‘forgotten password’ option when logging in to the new app or website for the first time.

ScotRail has also introduced a new £10 minimum fare for ticketless passengers iStock

ScotRail said up to three months of booking history will be transferred, although with limited details.

The rail operator has warned that saved payment cards will not transfer to the new platform for legal reasons, meaning customers may need to enter payment details each time they purchase a ticket. PayPal, Google Pay and Apple Pay will continue to be available.

Passengers will also temporarily be unable to load tickets onto Smartcards through the app or website, although tickets can still be added at ticket offices, vending machines or onboard where available.

The new Scotrail app launched on July 30 ScotRail

The change comes weeks after ScotRail introduced a new £10 minimum fare for ticketless passengers on July 1.

In a statement, the rail operator said: “From Thursday, July 30, we’ll be introducing a new ScotRail app and website booking engine, to replace the current system (supplied by Trainline).

“These updates are designed to make it simpler and faster to plan journeys, buy tickets and manage your travel.

“This is part of our ongoing work to improve the customer experience by making our digital services more reliable, easier to use and better aligned with customer needs.”