John Swinney is set to scrap peak fares on ScotRail trains for another three months.

The pilot was due to end in June but will now be extended over the summer.

There was some doubt that the scrapping of the levy charged on the publicly owned rail company's busiest trains would be continued.

Getting rid of the rush hour surcharge began in October last year and was a key element of the Bute House Agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens.

Humza Yousaf’s decision to end the powersharing deal ultimately brought down his leadership and led to the election of Mr Swinney.

When the new First Minister was asked if he would extend the pilot he said that while it had been “very effective” he was “mindful of the fact that everything has to be paid for.”

READ MORE: Pilot scheme to scrap peak rail fares 'very effective', says Swinney

 

In a statement on Thursday, Mr Swinney said his government's ambition was was to "make public transport easier and more affordable is clear."

“Bold initiatives such as our ScotRail Peak Fares Removal pilot help build on this investment by encouraging more people to switch from car and opt to use the train.

"By extending this pilot for a further three months, we can better understand its impacts in terms of encouraging people to choose rail.

"It also helps tackle inequalities by making commuting, day trips and access to leisure activities even more affordable for all."

The difference in price is staggering. An off-peak fare between Glasgow and Edinburgh is £16.20. Travellers taking an on-peak service would have expected to pay double.

The Scottish Government has previously said that the long-term future of the scheme depends on passenger numbers and whether it attracts more people to travel by train and balance out the cost of cutting the fares.

Figures published in March by Transport Scotland, the government agency, showed that the number of passenger journeys on ScotRail increased by 36% to 64 million in the 2022-23 financial year.

That is still 34% less than in 2019 before the pandemic.

In his statement, the First Minister urged more Scots to travel at peak times.

“I would encourage passengers to use this opportunity, not just for the daily commute but to see all that Scotland has to offer - that might even include a trip on the Levenmouth rail link or a visit to the Fife Expo.

"People already benefitting from the Peak Fares Removal trial should encourage their friends and family to get on board and use it too.”

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail's Managing Director, said they were "delighted that the Scottish Government has decided to extend the trial, and it gives even more people the opportunity to take advantage of more affordable journeys."

READ MORE: Majority of ScotRail passengers want booze ban lifted

Green MSP Mark Ruskell said the peak charges should be scrapped for good.

“By making the scheme permanent we can ensure that even more people are able to feel its benefits and change their long-standing habits.

“The best changes are ones that help our climate and our communities while supporting household budgets, which is exactly what happens when we cut the cost of transport.”

He added: “Peak rail fares are an unfair tax on the many workers and students who do not have any choice about when they start work or go to study, that is why the Scottish Greens agreed with ministers to deliver the pilot scheme.

“During our time in Government, the Scottish Greens strongly supported the move to bring ScotRail back into public ownership.

“We must now put that to good use and ensure our rail network delivers for people and planet.”