Peak train fares in Scotland will return from next month after the Scottish Government confirmed it will end its pilot scheme.

The policy was brought in on ScotRail services in October last year by former First Minister Humza Yousaf in a bid to make transport more affordable while lowering emissions.

The Scottish Government funded the project, which allowed customers to travel all day on off-peak fares from October 2 until the end of March 2024.

It is estimated that the programme - which was extended for six months after March - costs the government around £40m a year.

Train operator ScotRail said the new pricing would save passengers huge sums of money across the country, with some ticket prices even halving. 

However, the decision to bring back peak train fares was announced by ScotRail on Tuesday, August 20.

The rail operator said it  would continue to work with the government to encourage people to travel by train.

 

The post on X read: "The Scottish Government has confirmed that the off-peak fares trial will come to an end on 27 September.

"As the trial ends, we will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to encourage travel by rail, providing more people with the opportunity to use trains as their primary form of transport.

"For 12 months from 28 September 2024, this will include a 20 per cent discount on all season tickets.

"ScotRail will also increase the number of journeys offered on Flexipass from 10 to 12, giving customers two extra trips for the same price.

"Super off-peak day fares will also return on 30 September 2024."