Transport Scotland has published the analysis of its ScotRail Peak Fare Removal Pilot, revealing that while the initiative saw a modest increase in passenger numbers, it fell short of its primary objectives.
The pilot, which ran for twelve months, aimed to encourage modal shift from private cars to rail and make train travel more affordable. The Scottish Government subsidised the temporary removal of peak fares, costing approximately £40 million.
The analysis, based on daily patronage data from April 2022 to July 2024, found that while there was a limited increase in passengers, it did not achieve the desired level of modal shift from cars.
Given the financial challenges facing the Scottish Government and the ongoing subsidy required to maintain the pilot, the decision has been made to end it on September 27, 2024.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, stated, “The pilot primarily benefitted existing train passengers and those with medium to higher incomes. Although passenger levels increased to a maximum of around 6.8%, it would require a 10% increase in passenger numbers for the policy to be self-financing.
“The pilot will have been welcome in saving many passengers hundreds and in some cases thousands of pounds during the cost of living crisis but this level of subsidy cannot continue in the current financial climate on that measure alone.
“I am aware, however, that a significant minority of people who cannot choose when they travel to and from work did and would benefit from lower priced rail travel – these are people who might find the return to peak fares challenging.
“I can therefore announce the introduction of a 12-month discount on all ScotRail season tickets and permanently amending the terms of flexipasses to allow for 12 single journeys for the price of 10, used within 60 days, equivalent to a 20% discount for those who travel less frequently.
“Super off-peak tickets will also be reintroduced.
“The Scottish Government would be open to consider future subsidy to remove peak fares should UK budget allocations to the Scottish Government improve in future years.”
Recognising the challenges faced by those who cannot choose their travel times, Hyslop announced the introduction of a 12-month discount on all ScotRail season tickets and permanent changes to flexipasses. Additionally, super off-peak tickets will be reintroduced.
The Scottish Government remains open to considering future subsidies for peak fare removal if funding from the UK Government improves.
The final evaluation of the Pilot can be found at https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/scotrail-peak-fare-removal-pilot-report-published/.
