TSSA calls for scrapping of peak rail fares across Britain

Rail and transport union TSSA has welcomed the scrapping of peak fares on ScotRail trains and called for a further rollout elsewhere.  

The move – which means passengers will no longer pay higher prices for travelling at the busiest times of the day – had long been campaigned for by the union. 

The scrapping of peak fares was announced in May by the Scottish Government, marking a U-turn by the SNP at Holyrood after it ditched a pilot scheme last year which ended peak fares. 

A rail ticket from Edinburgh to Glasgow will now be almost 50 per cent cheaper, with trips between Perth and Dundee a third less than previously. 

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “We have long backed the scrapping of peak fares, so this is a victory which makes travel significantly cheaper for many passengers. 

“We must have a railway geared towards the best deal for the public, ending peak fares will also encourage more people out of cars and onto trains - meaning less air pollution, and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.  

“This could have happened much sooner had the SNP not scrapped the original pilot scheme. Of course, what is good for Scotland is good for the rest of the country and we would also encourage the end of peak fares across these islands.”