By-election candidate calls for Westminster to match removal of peak rail fares
The removal of peak rail fares in Scotland will mean fairer, greener travel that will support people through the cost of living crisis, says the Scottish Greens Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election candidate, Cameron Eadie.
Beginning this week, peak rail fares have been removed from all ScotRail services as part of a six-month pilot that has been funded as a result of negotiations between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government.
Mr Eadie has called for all parties standing in Thursday’s by-election to join him in calling for Westminster and other devolved governments to do the same across the UK to boost public transport and support people through a cold and costly winter.
Mr Eadie said:
“This is a groundbreaking move that will make a big difference to people in Rutherglen & Hamilton West. It shows the vital impact that Scottish Green voices can make.
“Lots of people who have to travel for work or study have no choice about when they have to do so. This pilot will save them a lot of money. I hope that cheaper, greener and better rail will encourage people out of their cars and on to trains.
“This isn’t only something that would benefit people in Scotland. There are millions of people who regularly have to travel to and from other parts of the UK and choose to drive or fly.
“By cutting the cost of rail travel across the UK we can ensure that it is the first and best choice for long-distance journeys.
“All candidates are saying that the cost of living crisis is their priority, so I hope that they will join me in calling for Westminster to follow the bold lead that the Scottish Government has taken and invest in cheaper and greener rail.
“There is a cold and costly winter ahead. If households and families can save money on commuting then it is money that can instead go towards heating, eating or other living expenses.”
