A NORTH Ayrshire MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government's announcement that peak fares on ScotRail trains will be scrapped over the summer.

And the Cunninghame South SNP MSP urged constituents, especially commuters, to use the train to save money.

The pilot scheme, which came into effect in October last year, was originally due to end on  June 28.

But the government announced this week that it will now continue for a further three months until the end of September.

Since the peak fares were abolished, passengers across Scotland have been saving as much as £26.20 per return journey on their journeys, with passengers on the Glasgow to Ayr line saving £5.10 per journey.

Ms Maguire said that SNP action was making travel more affordable and accessible for households in North Ayrshire while helping to drive forward Scotland’s journey to Net Zero.

The MSP, whose constituency covers Irvine, Kilwinning and parts of Stevenston and Saltcoats, said: "It’s great that the SNP has said that peak fares will continue to be scrapped on ScotRail trains for a further three months.

"This is good news for commuters across North Ayrshire who have benefited most from price cuts on rush hour journeys.

“Thanks to this continued funding, travellers local and new to Scotland will now be able to make the most of what our beautiful country has to offer this summer and at an affordable price. This is sure to give an added boost to Scotland’s tourism sector, while putting money back into people’s pockets.

“Wherever it can, the SNP is supporting Scottish households through the Tory cost of living crisis, delivering on low-carbon travel and tackling the climate crisis.”