A West Scotland MSP says the Scottish Government’s plans to suspend peak time rail fairs will “make a big difference” to North Ayrshire residents.

Green MSP Ross Greer, who led on budget talks for the Scottish Greens, has praised the move for being environmentally conscious and considerate of the struggles many people are facing due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The decision to drop peak time rail fairs was announced in the Scottish budget which was published last week and will come into effect over a six-month period starting in September 2023.

Greer said: “I am delighted that we have been able to deliver this longstanding Green policy, which will make a big difference to people in North Ayrshire.

“It will save rail users a huge amount of money during the cost-of-living crisis and help Scotland to meet its climate ambitions.

“It will play a vital role in ensuring that public transport is an affordable, attractive choice for travellers.

“Getting more commuters onto buses and trains fast tracks the kind of transformational action that will benefit people not only now, but also future generations for whom this becomes the norm.”

With the temporary measures put in place, peak time fares from Irvine to Glasgow Central will be cut from £14.30 to £9.10 while fares from Ardrossan will be cut from £14.70 to £9.40.

The trial is expected to cost the Scottish Government £15 million and was announced as part of the Scottish Government’s Fair Fares review.