Source: Scottish Greens
Peak rail fares are an unfair tax on people who have no say when they need to travel for work or study.
The SNP must reconsider its decision to bring back punishing and unfair peak rail fares, say the Scottish Greens.
The party’s transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP, has branded it “a disaster for commuters and our climate”, urging the SNP to make off peak all day fares permanent.
The scheme to remove peak rail fares was secured in October 2023 by the Scottish Greens as part of the party’s time in government. The SNP will be reintroducing peak fares at the end of this week.
Mr Ruskell said: “The return of peak rail fares will be a disaster for commuters and our climate. Rail users in Scotland already pay some of the highest fares in Europe.
“We need to reduce the number of cars on our roads if we are to hit our climate targets, but we can’t encourage people to make the switch to rail if we are making trains even more expensive.
“Ending peak fares is something that the Scottish Greens were proud to work with campaigners and trade unions to achieve during our time in government. It has helped thousands of workers and families who have no say in when they need to travel for work or study.
“Cheaper, greener railways have a key role to play in boosting public transport and protecting our planet. The cost of removing peak fares is a fraction of what is being spent every year on major road building projects.
“Even at this late stage, I urge the Scottish Government to think again, and to scrap peak fares for good.”
