A DECISION to re-introduce peak fares on ScotRail services has been blasted by Fife politicians.

A pilot scheme which effectively halved the price of travel will be scrapped next month as the Scottish Government say it showed just “a limited increase in the number of passengers” and did not encourage a “significant modal shift” from car to rail.

The one-year pilot scheme will end on September 27.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker said the move was a "huge blow" for passengers who will be facing peak fare costs that increased by 8.7 per cent in April.

“We know that what passengers need to see are affordable rail fares and improvements to services that will make rail travel a reliable and affordable transport option," she said.

"The end of the peak fares removal pilot combined with the fares hike from April will hit hard for passengers, and it is at odds with the need to make trains more affordable and reduce car use."

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Fife MSP Alex Rowley, who is Scottish Labour's transport spokesperson, said he was "astonished" at the decision.

“The SNP’s complete failure to provide a sustainable rail service has meant many of those who commute by train have been forced back into cars as they cannot rely on ScotRail services to run when they are supposed to," he said.

“That there has been a 6.8 per cent increase in rail users during the period of the peak fare suspension is nothing short of incredible when you consider the impact the SNP’s mismanagement has had on rail services.

“I have been clear that peak fares exist purely as a tax on workers trying to travel to work in a more sustainable way – this is simply another way that working Scots are paying the price for the SNP’s financial mismanagement."

Greens MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Mark Ruskell, described the return to peak fares as "deeply disappointing."

"It is a hammer blow to the many workers all over Scotland who have to travel every day but have no say on when they need to be at work," he said.

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“Ending peak rail fares is something that the Scottish Greens pushed hard for alongside rail workers unions and anti-poverty campaigners, and I know many will be angry to see the SNP bringing them back like this.”

Ryan Blackadder of the Fife Greens said: “To make rail travel unaffordable for many commuters and students after a successful near year long trial of halving fare prices is deeply unfair.

“Until last year I was a train guard and I know how important affordable and reliable rail services are for workers, for students and for connecting communities.

"The return of peak fares means a return ticket between Dunfermline City and Edinburgh will now cost £13.50 and £12.30 if you travel from Dalgety Bay."