The train arriving at Platform 1 will be .. 3.6% more expensive

TRAIN fares are set to rise by 3.6 per cent at busy times, Scot Rail confirmed yesterday.

The increase applies to peak fares, meaning a Glasgow Edinburgh any-time ticket will rise from £23.80 to £24.65.

The SNP Government insisted passengers are getting value for money.

But opponents said higher prices reinforce calls for Scot Rail to be taken out of private hands.

The increase in peak fares is linked to the Retail Price Index, which increased by 3.6 per cent in July. It’s the highest figure since 2011, when it was five per cent.

Regulated off-peak fares will be capped at one point below RPI, so they are set to rise by 2.6 per cent.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union held protests outside stations across the UK, including at Glasgow Central.

RMT leader Mick Cash said: “The huge hike is another kick in the teeth for passengers who fork out colossal sums to travel on rammed-out, unreliable trains.”

A 3.6 per cent increase would add £1.33 to the £37.10 cost of an any-time return between Dundee and Aberdeen and £1.09 to a £30.40 return between Glasgow and Perth.

A Scot Rail spokesman: “The money from fares is being invested now to deliver an even better service in the future.”

Scottish Labour transport spokesman Neil Bibby said: “A Labour government would bring the railways into public ownership, delivering more affordable rail fares for commuters.”

Green MSP John Finnie said: “Greens have long campaigned for rail services in Scotland to be put back in public hands and this fare hike is further proof of why we urgently need that.”

Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “The Scottish Government have restricted annual increases in fare costs to ensure Scotland has the lowest price increases in the UK.

“We have introduced a number of initiatives to support passengers, including offering a free week’s travel – equal to the cost of a rail fare freeze.”