Scottish commuters are struck with a looming increase in the cost of their fare on trains on April 1st as Transport Scotland implements this to ensure the stability of train services in the future. This news has sparked outrage among Glasgow locals with many complaining of how much of a financial burden it is to them.

Fares across Scotland are set to increase by 3.8% meaning return tickets from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley will be bumped up to an extra £1.20. There is currently a 20% discount running up until September on FlexiPass offering 6 return tickets (12 single) that are available for stations such as Exhibition Centre (Glasgow), Anderston, Motherwell, Glasgow High Street, Charing Cross, Perth, Stirling, and Bathgate.

This decision to hike prices runs at a time when the cost-of-living crisis has had a significant impact on Scots. ScotRail states that the decision for this fare increase is to cover infrastructure, staff pay, and operational costs to improve the public transport experience.

Mark Russel, Scottish Green MSP said: “These hikes will cause misery for commuters. If we want rail to be the first and best option for regular journeys, then it has to be affordable and accessible for all.”

This action has implemented concerned reactions from Scots, particularly students with them worrying about how they will be able to afford to commute and are now left questioning the accessibility and the financial burden this will set for them as they navigate how they will manage to pay these extra expenses on top of other financial commitments.

Jess Crighton, 19, a commuter and college student at City of Glasgow College said: “This is not good for me as I have to commute all the time. I am paying over £30 a week to get into college and I am already struggling. I come to college late so that my fare is cheaper, so it is affecting my education. It is way too expensive. I believe the attendance rates in my college will be lower as people just cannot afford to come in. Transportation should be free or at least discounted for students, not just if you are under 18.”

Kayleigh McCay, a commuter, student at Strathclyde University said: “I have a railcard, so it does not really bother me, but I know people that really struggle to afford train fares. The fare increase is not justifiable and we will be skint. I will have to learn to drive as it will be cheaper eventually. Attendance here will be lower as people just will not be able to afford to come to class. Public transport is critical to me as I have no other way to get into college.”

ScotRail's fare increase plan on April 1st is a great issue that puts a spotlight on the ongoing struggle to maintain cost-effective services for Scotland. The impact this has on commuters is significant and not to be overlooked. Spokeswomen, Claire Baker, from Scottish Labour Transport expresses this by saying: “It shouldn’t have to cost a fortune to get to work, to go to hospital appointments or even to explore Scotland. We must end peak rail fares and stop financially penalizing those who have no say on when they must travel. This increase is bad for Scotland’s rail passengers, bad for our economy and bad for the environment.”

Scotland's rails spark shockwaves as fare increase stirs misery and public fury