Government Vows To 'Look At Options' Amid Calls For ScotRail Fares Freeze
2 December 2016, 14:21
The Scottish Government has said it will ''look at options'' for rail fares before the end of this year.
In the rest of the UK, train fares will go up by an average of 2.3% on January 2.
Regulated ScotRail fare increases are currently capped at the level of Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation, while off-peak regulated fares are restricted to 1% below RPI.
Scottish Labour has called for a fares freeze after disruption and delays to services in recent months.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: ''No final decision has been taken on next year's fares in Scotland and we are looking at options before the end of the year.
''We want to see a vibrant, growing industry with more seats and services than ever before, and that is why we have taken action to help keep fares down.
''In terms of calls for a fares freeze, as the First Minister stated in Parliament recently, we will consider any fully costed options that might enable us to reduce costs to passengers while still delivering our ambitious infrastructure programme.''
Scottish Labour transport spokesman Neil Bibby said: ''After months of disruption on the rail network, passengers in Scotland deserve a break.
''People are fed up with overcrowded, delayed and expensive trains and it would be insulting to ask passengers to pay for more for the service they are currently receiving.''
