All rail fares to increase by 8.7 per cent in 2024 including Caledonian Sleeper
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Transport Scotland has confirmed the fares increase it will put in place for 2024.
Fom April all ScotRail fares will increase by 8.7 per cent however, ScotRail peak fares removal pilot will be extended by three months until June 2024.
Similarly, Caledonian Sleeper fares will increase on average by 8.7 per cent from 1 January, excluding seated tickets.
Responding to the Scottish Government’s announcement that ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper fares would increase by nearly nine per cent in 2024, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said: “At a time when we should be encouraging people to use our rail network, the SNP is hiking prices above inflation.
“The Highlands’ limited, but underutilised, ScotRail network will now be even more expensive for many Highlanders, and risks pricing some out of using it altogether.
“The Caledonian Sleeper is a vital service for communities right across my Highlands and Islands region, connecting communities with the Central Belt of Scotland and London, as well as bringing visitors directly to the heart of the Highlands and beyond.
“This is very disappointing news and when, with great fanfare, the SNP took both ScotRail and the Caledonian Sleeper into government control, this was far from what they promised rail users."
Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Transport said: “The Scottish Government rightly made the decision to freeze flexi-pass and season ticket prices as part of its response to the cost-of-living crisis. While this has now remained in place for almost two years, it is simply no longer sustainable.
“From 1 April 2024, all ScotRail fares will increase by 8.7 per cent. We know that any increase is unwelcome for passengers, therefore we have kept the rise as low as possible to maintain the attractiveness and affordability of rail as a travel option.
“Caledonian Sleeper fares will also increase by 8.7 per cent and this will take effect from 1 January 2024.
“We continue to look at ways to encourage greater rail use and that is why we are extending our peak fares pilot for a further three months until June 2024.
“Fares and fares increases remain, on average, lower than across the rest of Great Britain. ScotRail also continue to develop fares initiatives which can help attract more passengers, while offering savings and added value to existing rail users.
“We are committed to investing in public transport and through this latest budget we will provide more than £2.5 billion to support it. This includes over £1.6 billion to operate, maintain and improve Scotland’s railway, £430 million in funding for concessionary travel and bus services, and £434 million to operate and invest in our ferries.”
