Delight as £1 rail scheme avoids the axe

RAIL campaigners are celebrating after Fife councillors unanimously voted to save discounted rail travel for older and disabled passengers.

The scheme offers off peak travel for £1 between Fife stations for those who are disabled or over 65.

A working group’s proposal to axe the policy in favour of more bus travel was branded “utter madness” by campaigners.

It was argued the rail discounts were mostly used to cut journey costs for Edinburgh daytrippers and was not delivering any benefit for the Fife economy.

The policy will be reviewed to ensure it better serves the whole region, including the link from Thornton to Leven, which is expected to be reinstated by 2023.

The council must now find an additional £370,000 to finance the subsidised rail scheme and expand the Fife Bus project, which provides a door to door Ring and Ride service for those unable to use conventional public transport because of mobility and other difficulties.

“It’s all very positive,” said Eugene Clarke, who chairs the Levenmouth Rail Campaign, adding: “I’m very happy with it.”

Mr Clarke added: “I welcome the fact the committee has agreed to continue the scheme for subsidised rail fares for the elderly, and also agreed to review the policy now the Levenmouth railway is coming on stream.

“One of the key features of the campaign over the years has been the unanimous political support we have had from councillors and MSPs from all parties. We’re delighted that the decision today has continued that.”

Scrapping rail concessions in favour of Fife Bus was considered “in the knowledge that additional budget for passenger transport was not on the agenda”.

In addition to recurring funding of £370,000, the authority plans to use £240,000 of capital funding to add to the fleet of vehicles.