Almost 350,000 journeys were made on ScotRail trains on Friday, the most since the rail operator went into public hands three years ago.
The record-setting day saw 345,216 journeys across Scotland, breaking previously highs set during major events like the Edinburgh Festivals and Taylor Swift and Oasis concerts at Murrayfield.
The figure represents the most journeys in one day since ScotRail was brought into public ownership in April 2022.
The boom comes several months after peak fares were permanently scrapped by the Scottish Government.
The rail operator claims that lowering fares has encouraged more people to travel by rail rather than drive, with the cost of some journeys being cut by 50%.
David Ross, ScotRail’s chief operating officer, thanked customers for their ‘continual support’.
He noted: “It’s great to see so many people choosing to travel with ScotRail at one of the busiest times of the year.
“Friday’s record numbers show the hard work of our teams in adding extra services, running longer trains, and supporting our customers during this busy season.
“With Christmas parties, shopping trips, and celebrations underway – and with peak fares gone for good – rail offers a simple, cost-effective way to travel.
“We’ll keep focusing on providing the reliable service, seats, and support our customers expect as we approach Christmas and the New Year.”
The news comes as the rail operator has rolled out body cameras and additional staff to tackle antisocial behaviour on trains.
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A recent investigation by The Herald found that train staff had been verbally or physically assaulted more than 1,500 times in five years.
511 physical incidents and 1,072 verbal incidents were recorded between 2020 and 2025.
At the time, Mark Ilderton, ScotRail’s service delivery director, told The Herald: “There has been considerable investment across the network to help achieve this, and we will continue to work with British Transport Police to take the strongest possible action against anyone guilty of criminal behaviour.”
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