SCOTSMAN.COM VIEW

Rail passengers will be hit by the largest fares hike in five years next month as prices rise by 3.4 per cent

There was a debate about private workers’ pensions compared to public workers. The trains have a similar issue in that a significant portion of the fare is subsidised by the taxpayer. So although 3.4% sounds high – no, it is high – it has to be viewed that it is not full cost travel. And there’s the rub: if there were no subsidies on the rail and the prices rocketed, would people use it and that itself cause a price rebalance? – Livibudgi The fares are too expensive as it is. Season ticket prices are ridiculous, with very little savings for commuters. I’ll keep taking the car where possible. – Scott Sutherland The law should change to, if you cannot get a seat you travel free, most trains are like sardine cans but without the sauce. – Graham Gray Another 3.4% of reasons as to why I don’t use the damn things. Way too expensive. Not paying to stand in a cramped carriage because Abellio/scotrail cannot be bothered putting extra carriages on their trains. – Tony Teehee