PEAK RAIL fares are set to return on ScotRail trains this Monday.

ScotRail is reminding customers that the Scottish Government’s Off-Peak all-day fares trial ends on Friday, 27 September. This means that peak-time travel restrictions will resume from Monday, 30 September.

An additional 20 per cent discount on season tickets for the next 12 months will be introduced.

As previously reported in the Press, the ScotRail peak fare suspension pilot, which started in October last year, saw passengers saving hundreds and sometimes thousands of pounds in commuting costs.

This helped increase passenger numbers by 6.8 per cent.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, said: “My Ministerial colleagues and I understand the end of this pilot will be disappointing for many rail users, particularly those who cannot choose when they travel to and from work.

“The 12-month discount on all ScotRail season tickets – coupled with the significant savings to be made using Flexipass - is aimed at offering value savings for those very passengers. 

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“While the Peak Fares Removal Pilot was a welcome incentive over the last 12 months, analysis has shown it would have required a 10 per cent increase in passenger numbers for the policy to be self-financing, and a more significant modal shift.

“The Scottish Government would be open to consider future subsidy to remove peak fares should UK budget allocations improve in future years.”  

The return of peak fares means that a ticket between Dunfermline City and Edinburgh will now cost £13.50 and £12.50 if you travel from Dalgety Bay.

Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said: “The peak fares trial may be coming to an end, but we are introducing new ways for customers to lock in great value on their regular peak-time train travel. 

“From 28 September, enhanced discounts with season tickets and Flexipass mean customers can continue to save on peak-time rail travel. 

“Whether you’re commuting daily or traveling frequently on the same route, we’ll continue to offer you great value on a safe, reliable, and green form of public transport.”