Director Colin Howden responds to today’s announcement that peak fares on ScotRail services will be abolished.
“We’re delighted to see the Scottish Government prioritise public transport users after a series of u-turns on investment and targets for sustainable transport.
“Buses and trains reduce congestion, cut air pollution, and connect people to jobs, education and healthcare. But we’re only going to get people out of their cars when public transport is cheaper than driving. There is no peak pricing for car users so it was perverse for rail passengers to be penalised in this fashion.
“We’ll now be pressing the Government to make bus travel more affordable for all. Buses are, after all, the mode of transport disproportionately used by those on low-incomes.”
Transform, alongside rail unions and environmental groups, had previously called for the Scottish Government to maintain off-peak rail fares for good.
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