ScotRail will cut fares in half next month in a bid to encourage more passengers to take the train.
The franchise - which passed to Scottish Government control on April 1 - will slash ticket costs on all off-peak weekday services between May 9 and 31.
It follows other railway companies across the UK which have launched similar temporary sales on tickets after passenger numbers plummeted during lockdown.
Weekend services are not included and all reduced tickets will have to be bought online in advance.
Reduced fares will be available to order from May 9 and return travel must be completed by 30 June.
Savings include off peak returns between Edinburgh and Glasgow for £9.55 compared to £19.10 normally.
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."
As part of the deal, ScotRail’s Kids for a Quid can be used in conjunction with the offer, which means up to four children can travel, for £1 return each, with each adult.
Since 2012, Scottish peak and off-peak regulated fares have increased by 38%, research by the RMT union found in January, while the price of petrol had increased by less than 10%
Mark Ruskell, transport spokesman for the Scottish Greens, said: "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."
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