Edinburgh trains: All-day off-peak travel extended to run throughout summer, John Swinney announces

First Minister announces extension of popular pilot scheme during visit to Waverley station

The pilot scheme which scrapped peak fares on ScotRail trains has been extended for the summer.

The trial, which means off-peak tickets are valid all day, was introduced last October and was due to end in March, but was extended until June. And now it will run until the end of September.

The scrapping of peak fares on ScotRail services has been extended until the end of September. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.

The scheme cut the price of a rush-hour ticket between Edinburgh and Glasgow and Edinburgh by almost half, from £28.90 to £14.90.

First Minister John Swinney announced the latest extension at Edinburgh’s Waverley station during a visit to a Fife Expo exhibition promoting the opening of the Levenmouth rail link on June 2, when train services will be launched between the Capital and Leven.

Mr Swinney said: “The Scottish Government’s ambition to enhance our railways and make public transport easier and more affordable is clear.

“We know new rail investment can create real education, business and tourism opportunities and help breathe life into communities. This is currently most apparent with the soon-to-open £116m Levenmouth rail link.

“Bold initiatives such as our ScotRail Peak Fares Removal pilot help build on this investment by encouraging more people to switch from car and opt to use the train.

“By extending this pilot for a further three months, we can better understand its impacts in terms of encouraging people to choose rail. It also helps tackle inequalities by making commuting, day trips and access to leisure activities even more affordable for all.

“I would encourage passengers to use this opportunity, not just for the daily commute but to see all that Scotland has to offer - that might even include a trip on the Levenmouth rail link. People already benefitting from the Peak Fares Removal trial should encourage their friends and family to get on board and use it too.”

Rail unions and environmental campaigners have urged te Scottish Government to make the scrapping of peak fares permanent. They branded peak fares an "unfair tax on workers" and a barrier to rail travel for many. And they said restoring peak fares would be a retrograde step, sending the wrong message at the wrong time.

ScotRail managing director Joanne Maguire said: “The removal of peak fares trial has been a hugely exciting opportunity for Scotland’s Railway to encourage more people across the country to choose rail travel.

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has decided to extend the trial, and it gives even more people the opportunity to take advantage of more affordable journeys.

“Everyone at ScotRail is working hard to deliver the best possible journey experience for our customers, and encourage people to make travelling by train their mode of transport.”