Fares to rise by 3.8% on ScotRail services

Rail fares in Scotland are to rise by almost 4% next month – with the transport minister insisting the increase was essential although it would be “unwelcome” for passengers.

From January 24 regulated fares at both peak and off-peak times will go up by 3.8%, it was confirmed.

The amount is determined by the level of the Retail Price Index (RPI) in July, but while in previous years the off-peak ticket prices went up by a lower amount, this time it is across the board.

The announcement comes as ScotRail seeks to address financial challenges due to the pandemic.

Transport minister Graeme Dey stressed the need to put rail services back on a “sustainable footing”.

He said: “For over a decade the Scottish Government has kept fares increases down by ensuring they are in line with RPI, or even lower in the case of off-peak fares. Scottish rail fares remain, on average, 20% lower than across the rest of Great Britain.

“We know that any increase is unwelcome for passengers, however, the changes we are implementing this year are essential to our wider recovery plans.

“We challenged ScotRail to develop robust plans to increase revenue, while also seeking to identify efficiency savings that help put rail services on a sustainable footing.”

Mr Dey added: “It is only right we implement proposals such as this increase where they make sense given the changes in passenger travel patterns.”

However, Kevin Lindsay of the train drivers’ union Aslef, criticised the rise, saying: “Just at the time when we should be getting Scotland back on track, the Scottish Government has confirmed it will increase rail fares.”