Bus fare cap could cost ScotRail £20 million in Glasgow area

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 20:57 · Archive

ScotRail could lose up to £20 million in the greater Glasgow area due to the £2 bus fare cap introduced in September.

The £2 bus fare cap covering Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Ayrshire could cost ScotRail as much as £20 million as passengers switch from trains to buses. The scheme was introduced in September following a successful trial in the Highlands and Islands, as part of the Scottish Government's efforts to tackle the cost of living.

ScotRail managing director Joanne Maguire told Holyrood's Transport Committee that the Highland and Islands pilot resulted in a 12 per cent drop in rail revenue, equivalent to £750,000 per year. She said if the same impact occurs in the much larger Strathclyde network, losses could reach £20 million.

However, Ms Maguire said it was still too early to assess the long-term effect of the cap, which only came into force in September, adding that ScotRail was not yet seeing a significant impact. She said west of Scotland commuters value the speed and convenience of rail services, with passengers wanting to stay home as long as possible in the morning and return quickly in the evening. ScotRail is focusing on other schemes to attract passengers, including the permanent removal of peak rail fares and the Kids for a Quid offer.

How it is being reported

• Thousands of Glasgow commuters could be affected by ScotRail's £20m warningScotRail could lose £20m as Scotland’s £2 bus fare cap potentially drives passengers from trains, prompting concerns over public transport funding and services.Glasgow Times · 4 Nov, 20:33
• Bus fare cap in greater Glasgow could cost ScotRail £20 million, MSPs toldThe £2 bus fare cap in the greater Glasgow area could cost ScotRail as much as £20 million, MSPs have been told, as passengers jump from train journeys.The Herald · 4 Nov, 15:41

In this story: ScotRail · Scottish Government · Strathclyde Partnership for Transport · Glasgow · Lanarkshire · Ayrshire · Highlands and Islands · Joanne Maguire

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