Train tickets are poor value for money, say 41pc

MORE than two in five ScotRail passengers believe tickets are poor value for money, according to a survey.

The number who are happy with the amount they pay fell slightly last year, to 59 per cent.

ScotRail imposed rail fare rises of one per cent at the start of the year, although that was less than the then rate of inflation, and the 2.2 per cent hike imposed by Virgin West Coast.

Overall, 87 per cent of passengers were satisfied with ScotRail, the same as last year and higher than the UK average of 80 per cent, said watchdog Transport Focus.

Satisfaction with Virgin trains, which run UK-wide, was 92 per cent, with 62 per cent saying it offered good value for money.

However, the Transport Scotland survey was carried out before the network was hit by strike action.

Yesterday, politicians urged ScotRail to rethink the price of fares. Neil Bibby, Scottish Labour transport spokesman, said: ‘Our public transport system should put needs of passengers before profits.

‘This survey shows there is a significant number of rail passengers who do not believe they are getting value for money on ticket prices.

‘Action should be taken by Transport Scotland and Transport Minister Humza Yousaf to address these concerns.’

John Finnie, Scottish Greens transport spokesman, said: ‘It’s hardly surprising that customer satisfaction in rail ticket prices isn’t all that high given that most of us come to expect, and begrudgingly accept, an annual rise in peak ticket prices.’

Around 250,000 people use ScotRrail services every day and Transport Focus is determined to use the results of its survey to lobby for improved customer service.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent body, said: ‘Passengers in Scotland seem to remain happy with their services, although value for money continues to be rated less well. We’ll continue to work with ScotRail and Network Rail to use these results to drive improvements.’

Abellio won the ten-year, £6billion ScotRail franchise in 2014 and started operating it last year, promising faster journeys and cheaper tickets. A spokesman said it will be introducing faster, greener trains with more seats and will continue to invest in new ticket offers and electronic smart ticketing.