RAIL passengers across Inverclyde could have to fork out hundreds of pounds a year to cover extra travel costs as peak-time fares return again. 

ScotRail has revealed its 12-month off-peak fares pilot will end on September 27. 

In October 2023, the train operator removed the timing restrictions on off-peak fares and made the tickets valid for all-day travel. 

The Scottish Government subsidised the temporary removal of peak fares in a move to encourage a 'modal shift' from private car to rail while making rail travel more affordable and accessible.

The cost of the full year subsidy was approximately £40million.

An evaluation of the pilot has revealed that although passenger numbers increased to a maximum of 6.8 per cent, a 10 per cent increase was required for the project to be 'self-financing'. 

(Image: Newsquest)

An Inverclyde resident told the Telegraph that the reintroduction of tickets specifically for peak-time travel could cost her up to £700 a year. 

She said: "I travel to work on the train most days and I used to pay £10 for a return ticket to Greenock Central.

"That fell to £6.80 when they brought in the peak fare pilot, which is a huge difference.

"I was really glad to see the scheme extended earlier this year because travel has been much more affordable.

"Because I start work before 9am, my choice is to either travel at peak times or drive.

"I'd much prefer to take the train given the environmental benefits, but it's going to be really disappointing to see the prices jump back up.

"I'll likely be spending more than £10 a day for a 40-minute round trip."

Another rail passenger who commutes to Inverclyde for work said: “I am exactly the driver they were trying to target.

"I drive an electric car and changed the way I travel to work.

“I started to use the train,  making use of park and ride facilities, but that is going to be impossible when the fares go back up. 

“The decision to put the fares back up again, on top of the annual increase in April will make it completely unaffordable.

"On top of that they have changed the timetables, the trains are now less convenient. 

"I can no longer get a direct train to Greenock Central and I now have to change at Port Glasgow both ways.

"My journey is now an hour longer every day, more expensive, and on top of that in the winter I will hanging around stations in the dark, maybe on my own."

The Scottish Government said a 12-month discount on all ScotRail season tickets will be offered, the terms of flexipasses will be amended, and super off-peak tickets will be reintroduced. 

The Scottish Greens say the return of peak rail fares will be a 'hammer blow' for workers and the climate. 

The party's transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said: "By reducing fares, we were able to support hundreds of thousands of commuters through the cost of living crisis while encouraging them to leave their cars at home. 

"A lot of workers and their families saved hundreds of pounds.

"This will pile extra costs on to people at a really difficult time. 

"Every pound that's saved on travel is another pound that can go towards heating or eating. 

"It's also very bad news for our environment, sends a terrible signal, and derails our climate efforts. 

"When we invest in our rail we are investing in people, communities and our environment."