Fife Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Councillor James Calder has today called for the Scottish Government to freeze rail fares for at least the remainder of the year, rather than hitting commuters and travellers in Fife with a 4.8% rise.

The Scottish Government announced a fare freeze to great fanfare but it has only lasted six months (since January 2023), with fares now increasing by 4.8% from 3rd July. This rise comes on top of a previous fare increase of 3.8% in January 2022.

James Calder said:

The ScotRail fare rises are bleak news for rail users in Fife.

I am calling for fares to be frozen until at least the end of the year, providing much-needed respite for hardworking commuters and everyone travelling around Fife during these trying times.

The SNP/Green Government’s response to the cost-of-living crisis has been abject. Control of rail fares is within their hands yet rail users are seeing price increases.

The short-lived fare freeze lasted just six months, a flagship sale cut the price of fewer than 1% of tickets sold, and we are still months away from even a trial of the long-promised removal of peak fares.

Fife Liberal Democrats will offer a public transport system that works for all communities, for all ages, and for the climate.

We want to see fares cut, new options for two/three-day a week season tickets and for the government to work with Fife to explore new lines, particularly the Dunfermline to Alloa route and at St Andrews.