Home » Latest Travel News of UK » ScotRail Scraps Peak Fares, Offering More Affordable and Accessible Train Travel for Commuters Across Scotland

Published on
September 2, 2025

ScotRail has taken a bold step towards making train travel more affordable and accessible by eliminating peak fares across Scotland, starting on September 1. This change means commuters no longer need to pay higher prices during rush hours, making rail travel a more affordable option for everyone. Previously, ScotRail’s peak fares applied during busy travel times, often creating financial strain for daily commuters. By removing these charges, ScotRail simplifies the fare structure, offering a flat price regardless of the time of day. This move not only makes train travel more accessible but also supports sustainability efforts, encouraging more people to opt for public transport and contribute to greener travel practices across the country.

ScotRail has announced a major change in its fare system, eliminating peak-time charges for rail passengers across Scotland. This new policy, which came into effect on Monday, September 1, aims to make train travel more affordable and accessible by offering a flat fare structure, no matter the time of day. This change will have a positive impact on both daily commuters and occasional travelers, making rail travel a more viable option for a wider range of people.

Previously, ScotRail operated a tiered fare system that imposed higher prices on tickets purchased for travel during peak periods. These peak hours included early morning journeys before 9:15 AM and evening trips from 4:42 PM to 6:30 PM. With the removal of peak fares, travelers will now pay the same fare regardless of when they travel, leading to significant cost savings.

This change is part of the Scottish Government’s broader strategy to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. Rail travel is considered a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation compared to driving, and by eliminating peak fares, the government hopes to encourage more people to choose trains as their primary form of travel.

What Passengers Can Expect from the Fare Changes

For many commuters, the removal of peak fares means substantial savings, especially for those who previously had to pay higher prices during rush hour. For example, return tickets between Edinburgh and Glasgow will see a reduction of 48%, while fares from Inverkeithing to Edinburgh will drop by 41%. Other key routes also benefit from this overhaul:

  • Perth to Dundee: Return tickets will be 31% cheaper
  • Glasgow to Stirling: A 40% reduction in ticket prices
  • Inverurie to Aberdeen: Savings of 20% on return fares
  • Inverness to Elgin: A price cut of 34%

These reductions will make rail travel significantly more affordable, particularly for those traveling during busy periods. Passengers will no longer need to time their travel to avoid peak prices, making the entire ticketing process simpler and more straightforward.

The changes also address the needs of people who work non-traditional hours, such as healthcare or shift workers, who often have little control over their travel schedules. With the elimination of peak fares, these passengers will no longer need to adjust their routines to fit within the constraints of peak pricing, making commuting by train much more flexible.

A Step Towards Greener, More Sustainable Travel

This fare overhaul is not only about financial savings but also about promoting more sustainable travel. As fuel costs rise, many commuters are seeking alternatives to driving, and rail is one of the most eco-friendly options available. By making train travel more affordable, ScotRail hopes to encourage more people to leave their cars behind and choose trains for their daily journeys. The reduction in car usage will help decrease road congestion and reduce the carbon footprint associated with commuting.

In addition to environmental benefits, the change also aims to make public transport more inclusive. By removing the peak fare surcharge, ScotRail hopes to create a fairer system that does not penalize people who have no control over when they travel. This approach is seen as a step towards a more equitable public transport system in Scotland.

Simplified Pricing for All Passengers

One of the key benefits of this fare system overhaul is the simplification of ticket pricing. Passengers will no longer need to plan their travel around peak hours, as the fare will be the same regardless of when they travel. This will make the train an easier and more convenient option for people who may have previously avoided it due to concerns about peak-time prices.

The removal of peak fares is particularly advantageous for people with irregular schedules, such as shift workers or those with family commitments. The simplified pricing structure means there will be no more confusion about ticket validity or time restrictions, making travel more accessible for a wider range of people.

A Fairer System for Commuters

The decision to eliminate peak fares has been widely welcomed as a fairer approach to ticket pricing. Previously, peak fares were often seen as an unfair burden on passengers who had no choice but to travel during busy periods. Now, with a flat fare system in place, commuters will no longer feel penalized for traveling at times when trains are most crowded.

This change aligns with the Scottish Government’s broader vision to make public transport more affordable and accessible for everyone. By reducing the financial burden on commuters, ScotRail hopes to increase the number of people using rail services, reducing traffic on the roads and contributing to a more sustainable transportation network.

Looking Ahead

With the rising costs of petrol and growing concerns about climate change, ScotRail’s move to eliminate peak fares comes at a crucial time. The change is expected to encourage more people to choose trains over cars, helping reduce both congestion and emissions. It also helps Scotland move closer to its net-zero carbon goals.

ScotRail has eliminated peak fares, making train travel more affordable and accessible for commuters across Scotland, with a flat fare system now in place. This change simplifies pricing and supports greener, sustainable travel.

This overhaul of ScotRail’s fare system marks a significant step in creating a more sustainable, accessible, and fair public transport network for Scotland. By making rail travel more affordable and convenient, ScotRail hopes to attract new passengers and make the train a more attractive option for those looking for a greener way to travel.