ScotRail will permanently scrap peak train fares next month, ushering in substantial savings for passengers across Scotland, especially those travelling to and from Aberdeen.
Starting September 1, all fares on ScotRail services will be charged at the off-peak rate, regardless of the time of travel, delivering what leaders call “a new era in rail travel”.
The move follows a government announcement in May, with First Minister John Swinney confirming: “From September 1 this year, peak rail fares in Scotland will be scrapped for good.”
This decision comes after mounting calls from commuters, climate campaigners, and business leaders and after a period of fluctuating fare policies in recent years. Swinney noted: “Given the work we have done to get Scotland’s finances in a stronger position, and hearing also the calls from commuters, from climate activists and from the business community, I can confirm that, from 1st September this year, peak rail fares in Scotland will be scrapped for good”.
ScotRail’s managing director Joanne Maguire celebrated the change: “This is fantastic news, not only for our existing customers, but for everyone across the country considering rail travel for their commute or leisure journeys. Travelling by train remains one of the most convenient ways to get around, and with simpler, more affordable fares, we hope to see many more people choose ScotRail”.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, highlighted the wider impact, saying: “By removing peak fares, we are making ticketing more simple and more straightforward while at the same time supporting a shift towards sustainable public transport, protecting the climate, and saving people money”.
Why Aberdeen passengers will benefit
Aberdeen travellers are set to see clear benefits when peak fares are eliminated. According to official evaluations, the removal of peak fares will reduce the cost of a return ticket between Inverurie and Aberdeen from £11.10 to £8.90 – a saving of nearly 20%. For commuters and frequent travellers, the simplification means they no longer need to plan their journeys around peak times to secure the best deal. The Scottish government aims for the changes to encourage more people to choose rail over cars, supporting both environmental and economic goals.
A recent report from Transport Scotland found that scrapping peak fares leads to “sustained behaviour change … including shifting the time of travel from off-peak to peak and mode shift from car to rail,” with half of existing users who changed their behaviour citing cost savings as the main driver. For Aberdeen passengers facing long, high-cost commutes, this means significant yearly savings and improved access to travel for work, study, and leisure.
ScotRail has announced updates to its website and app from August 22, ahead of the change, while season and Flexipass tickets will be adjusted to continue offering value for regular travellers across all Scottish regions.
