John Swinney will offer Scots a financial boost by continuing to eliminate peak rail fares.
Travelers will enjoy a summer advantage as the experiment was due to conclude at the end of June.
Peak prices, which are typically twice the regular fare, were removed in October and were a fundamental element of the Bute House Agreement with the Greens.
However, after Humza Yousaf ousted the Greens from government, there were concerns that peak fares might be reinstated in July.
Trade unions have cautioned that ending the trial would hit workers hard, following an inflation-surpassing 8.7 percent increase in regular fares in April.
If the increase applied to reinstated peak fares, a peak-time return ticket from Glasgow to Edinburgh could have soared to about £31.40 from £16.20.
Nonetheless, the Record has learned that the new First Minister is set to extend the trial by another three months.
He plans to disclose this continuation at a gathering at Edinburgh’s Waverley station today.
A government insider mentioned: “The FM has acknowledged the highly favorable feedback on the removal of peak fares pilot.
“Extending the pilot until September will enable more commuters to capitalize on this assertive policy and save substantial sums, which is crucial amid a cost of living crisis.”
Swinney has committed to addressing the cost of living crisis, and prolonging the pilot is a component of his strategy.
Upon assuming the role of First Minister, Swinney praised the policy’s benefits yet remained noncommittal about its future.
He noted then: “It’s crucial to remember that all expenditures need funding. The peak rail fares pilot has proven extremely beneficial.
“It’s been highly successful. We need to consider the financial resources required to maintain it permanently.”
An initial review of the pilot’s first three months is anticipated soon.
Additional data covering the pilot’s first nine months will be available subsequently.
Recently, advocates for the pilot have been vocal in their calls for its extension.
Green MSP Mark Ruskell stated: “Making this scheme permanent would allow even more individuals to experience its advantages and modify their longstanding routines.
“The most effective changes benefit our environment and communities while easing household finances, exactly what reducing transport costs does.”
He also said: “Peak rail fares unjustly penalize numerous workers and students who can’t choose their work or study times, prompting the Scottish Greens to endorse the pilot scheme during our governance.
“With the Greens’ backing, the move to return ScotRail to public management was a strong endorsement.
“We must now leverage this to ensure our rail system serves both the populace and the planet.”
Trade unions and climate activists have also jointly demanded recently that peak fares never be reintroduced.
They declared: “Peak fares impose another unjust levy on workers. They make train travel costly and deter many from using rail.
“Reintroducing peak fares would send a clear negative message to Scots that the country isn’t committed to combating climate change.
“Changing travel behaviors and mindsets is crucial. This includes making rail travel more affordable and scrapping peak fares for good. Lower fares would not only assist those in poverty but also boost the broader economy.”
