SCOTRAIL fares are set to increase with the end of a £40 million discount scheme which failed to get enough extra people on trains.
The peak fares pilot scheme is being brought to an end on September 27, after ministers judged it to have failed.
For it to have been self-financing, it would have had to boost passenger numbers by 10% – but it only achieved an increase of 6.8%.
So what does it mean for you? Transport Scotland have provided figures to give an indication of how much some example journeys will cost after the increase towards the end of next month.
Edinburgh – Bathgate
For a peak return between Edinburgh and Bathgate, it will cost £12.30. It would have previously cost £8.20.
Elgin – Inverness
Between Elgin and Inverness, a peak return will cost £23.90 where it would previously have set you back £15.70.
Edinburgh – North Berwick
To get between Edinburgh and North Berwick, a peak return will cost £15 where it would previously have been £8.30.
Edinburgh – Glasgow
For those travelling between Scotland’s two biggest cities, a peak return between Edinburgh and Glasgow will cost you £31.40 – before it would have been £16.20.
Edinburgh – Leven
Going to Edinburgh from Leven and back at peak times will cost £20.40 where it would have been £13.60.
Barrhead – Glasgow
Journeys at the busiest times between Barrhead and Glasgow will cost £7.20 up from £4.80 previously.
Glasgow – Uddingston
Passengers going between Glasgow and Uddingston at peak times will have to pay £7.20 where it would have previously cost £4.90.
Falkirk High – Glasgow
And a peak return between Falkirk High and Glasgow will cost £19.50 up on £13.50.
Off-peak fares
All off-peak fares quoted above will remain in place for off-peak times, which on most routes are any time after 9.15am on weekdays and any time during the weekend or bank holidays.
Off-peak tickets are not for use on trains between Glasgow Central or Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket departing after 4.42pm and before 6.11pm.
The 6.15pm train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street, the 6.15pm train from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh and the 6.30pm train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen are also all exempt from off-peak fares.
Super off-peak fares
The end of the off-peak fare trial does however bring back the return of super off-peak fares which apply for journeys starting at Edinburgh Waverley, Haymarket, Glasgow Central, Glasgow Queen Street, Aberdeen or Inverness anytime after 11am and 2.59pm or after 8pm, Monday to Friday.
