Rail fares in Scotland to increase 3.6% next year

Price hike criticised by unions and campaign groups

Rail passengers in Scotland will see some fares rise by 3.6% next year.

July’s Retail Price Index (RPI) is used to determine the rate of increase in regulated fares on ScotRail and other rail services.

Official figures released yesterday show RPI rose to 3.6% last month, meaning regulated peak and season ticket prices for train travellers will rise by that level from January 2018.

Regulated off-peak fares in Scotland are, however, restricted to 1% below RPI.

This means off-peak fares in Scotland will go up by 2.6% at the start of next year.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “The Scottish Government has restricted annual increases in fare costs to ensure Scotland has the lowest price increases in the UK. At the same time 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 – which has been taken up by 90% of season ticket holders.

“While there has to be an increase in fares to support rail services, our actions ensure the annual increase for key fares is never more than inflation and that any increase for off-peak fares is always less than inflation. This allows us to continue to invest in improvements, to grow passenger numbers and to ensure rail travel is fair, affordable and an attractive alternative to travelling by car.”

The vast majority of rail fares in Scotland, around 85%, are regulated.

Unregulated fares, such as first-class tickets, are set by train operator ScotRail and will be announced later in the year.

The prospect of higher fares has been criticised by some unions and campaign groups.

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

RMT leader Mick Cash said: “The huge hike in fares confirmed today is another kick in the teeth for passengers who already fork out colossal sums to travel on rammed-out, unreliable trains while the private operators are laughing all the way to the bank.”

A spokesman for the ScotRail Alliance said: “The money from fares is being invested now to deliver an even better service in the future. We are building the best railway Scotland’s ever had.

“Eighty-five per cent of our revenue comes from fares that are regulated by the Scottish Government.”