End of peak fares shows ‘how climate action can improve lives’

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the news that peak pricing will be removed on all ScotRail trains saying it was a “fantastic example of how climate action can improve lives.” 

Peak rail fares are set to be abolished on all trains in Scotland from Monday 1st September.  

Friends of the Earth Scotland praised the trade unions and campaigners who pushed to scrap peak fares after the Scottish Government went backwards on its commitment in September 2024.

Friends of the Earth Scotland campaigns manager Rosie Hampton said:  

“It’s great news that peak pricing is being removed to help more people to take journeys by train rather than by car. This is a fantastic example of how climate action can improve lives, lower people’s bills and cut air pollution.  

“We need much more of this type of changes from Scottish Ministers in areas like improving bus services, insulating homes and ensuring the public benefit from the expansion of renewable energy.  

“The move demonstrates how public ownership can keep fares from getting even higher, benefitting passengers and helping support the necessary shift away from cars. Transport is Scotland’s biggest source of climate emissions, so we need an affordable, accessible, high-quality public transport network to make it possible for people to get around without cars.  

“We need to start thinking of public transport as an essential service, like education or health. It should be available to everyone and free at the point of use.” 
 
“Well done to all the campaigners and trade unions who fought to deliver this big win for commuters and the climate.”