ScotRail will slash the cost of their train ticket fares in half next month in a bid to encourage more passengers to take the train.
The rail service - who handed control to the Scottish Government on April 1 - will see its weekday off-peak train journeys in Scotland slashed and as a result, travellers will be able to book their discounted tickets between May 9 and 15 with outward travel valid between May 9 and 31 however journeys must be between stations in Scotland only to qualify.
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The offer will see an off-peak return between Edinburgh and Glasgow cost just £9.55 whilst those wanting to ditch the car and get the train between Inverness and Aberdeen being able to do so for £23.85 return.
The deal will only be available to purchase online in advanced rather than on the trains via a dedicated booking link to be published on the ScotRail website, reports the Daily Record.
The news comes as other railway companies across the UK launched similar temporary sales on tickets after passenger numbers plummeted during lockdown.
Called the Great British Rail Sale, the Department for Transport is said to be hopeful it will see an increase in passengers as well as helping those struggling due to a rise in inflation and other household bils.
Despite weekday off-peak fares being includes, weekend services will not be part of the deal and all return travel must be complete by June 30.
Chris Gibb, chief executive officer of Scottish Rail Holdings, which oversees ScotRail on behalf of SNP ministers, said: "Passengers up and down the country have been impacted by the pandemic, not least in the cost of living crisis we are currently facing.
"We want people to come back to rail but know that we need to make it affordable to be a truly attractive alternative to using the car.
“This fares offer, backed by the Scottish Government, is one of several initiatives ScotRail have been working on for delivery in the coming months to encourage people back on to our trains.
“The Scottish Government appreciates this is a short term offer – that’s one of the reasons why it has committed to a fair fares review, which will consider public transport across differing modes and which will also look at affordability."
Mark Ruskell, transport spokesman for the Scottish Greens, added: "It’s vital that we explore every avenue to support people as the Tory cost of living crisis bites and I’m sure this rail fare reduction will be positively received by the public."
