A PETITION has been launched to abolish peak fares on Scotland’s railways, after the scrapping of the trial scheme was branded a “slap in the face”.
The Scottish Government previously concluded the costs did not justify continuing the trial, which began on October 2, 2023.
The fare hike means that someone travelling between Glasgow and Edinburgh at peak times will see a return fare increase from £16.20 to £31.40.
The Scottish Greens – who secured the trial scheme whilst in government – have condemned the reintroduction of peak fares, calling it a “costly blow for commuters and the climate”.
The party’s transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell (below), said: “If we want to build a transport system that works for people and planet then we need to ensure that rail is always an affordable and reliable option.
“People in Scotland already pay some of the highest fares in Europe and this will only make it worse.”
Now, trade unions and environmental groups have started a petition demanding the permanent abolition of peak fare pricing.
The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), Friends of the Earth Scotland, Get Glasgow Moving, Just Transition Partnership and the trade unions RMT, Unite, Aslef and TSSA, wrote to Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop (below) last month, arguing that the move undermines the Scottish Government’s climate objectives.
They have argued that the return of peak fares contradicts Scotland’s ambitions for sustainable travel and investment in public services, with more people now set to travel by car to avoid the rising costs.
Trade unionists and campaigners will be at train stations across Scotland this week, distributing leaflets and speaking to passengers to gather support for the petition and campaign.
Great turnout of @ASLEF_Scotland in Linlithgow station. The message is clear from passengers its time to scrap peak fares @FionaHyslop pic.twitter.com/OVnuVNoDb8
— ASLEF Scotland (@ASLEF_Scotland) October 1, 2024
Commenting, Dave Moxham, STUC deputy general secretary, said: “Reintroducing peak fares is a slap in the face for working people across Scotland who depend on affordable public transport to get to work.
“This decision blatantly contradicts the government’s own commitments to reducing carbon emissions and creating a fairer society. If we are serious about tackling the climate crisis and supporting workers, the Scottish Government must end this outdated and unfair fare structure.
“Scrapping peak fares permanently isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s essential for a just and sustainable future. By launching this petition, we aim to amplify public frustration on this issue and urge the government to reconsider their stance.”
Meanwhile, Imogen Dow, head of campaigns at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “Transport is Scotland’s biggest source of climate pollution so if ministers are serious about getting our climate commitments back on track that means changing the ways we travel.
“We urgently need to move as many journeys as possible from cars to sustainable transport. Making sure our public transport is affordable, accessible and reliable is essential to addressing climate change as well as tackling toxic air pollution from traffic.
“Bringing down fares is a win-win-win of a positive climate policy that will be widely supported, improve people’s lives and bring down emissions. The Transport Secretary must use her power and her budget to scrap peak fares permanently.”
To sign the petition, click here.
