INVERCLYDE commuters are bracing themselves for inflation-busting increases in the cost of their train journey to work.

A trial scheme abolishing peak fares on ScotRail services comes to an end today.

Around £40 million was spent on the scheme, which launched on October 2 last year in a bid to make travelling by train more accessible and affordable.

Ministers recently concluded that the costs did not justify the continuation of the trial.

Analysis published by the government in August found the trial had had a limited degree of success in encouraging more people to travel by train, and mainly benefited existing passengers.

ScotRail says a range of savings on peak-time travel will still be available.

A peak-time return ticket from Gourock to Glasgow Central, which today costs £9.50, will rise to £15 from Monday - an increase of 58 per cent.

And on the Wemyss Bay line, a peak-time return to Glasgow Central will rise by 59 per cent, from £10 to £15.90.

 

Cheaper off-peak fares will not be available until the 8.57am service from Wemyss Bay (£10 to Glasgow Central) and the 9.26am departure from Gourock (£9.50).

 

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The price rise will come as ScotRail’s temporary timetable, introduced due to a train drivers’ dispute, is set to continue until at least October 6.

Claire Dickie, ScotRail commercial director, said: “The peak fares trial may be coming to an end, but we are introducing new ways for customers to lock in great value on their regular peak-time train travel.

“From September 28, enhanced discounts with season tickets and flexipass mean customers can continue to save on peak-time rail travel.

“Whether you’re commuting daily or travelling frequently on the same route, we’ll continue to offer you great value on a safe, reliable, and green form of public transport.”

A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: “The peak fares removal pilot was a welcome incentive over the last 12 months, saving many passengers hundreds and in some cases thousands of pounds during the cost-of-living crisis.

“The Scottish Government would be open to consider future subsidy to remove peak fares should UK budget allocations improve in future years.

“Ministers understand this will be disappointing for many rail users, particularly for those who cannot choose when they travel to and from work.

"That is why a 12-month discount on all ScotRail season tickets has been introduced, available weekly, monthly and annually."