John Swinney confirms ScotRail fares to be frozen for the next year

First Minister John Swinney said the move will keep more money in people’s pockets and is part of the Scottish Government’s “resolute focus” on tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

The announcement came just hours before his Finance Secretary Shona Robison is due to lead a stage one debate on the SNP’s budget for 2026/27, and just weeks before the upcoming Holyrood election in May.

Speaking at Edinburgh Waverley on Thursday morning, Mr Swinney said: “I know the cost-of-living crisis is still hurting people across Scotland - and this government is determined to take action to support people wherever we can.

“Freezing rail fares is an important way for us to keep people’s costs down and keep more money in their pockets.

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“This follows the removal of peak fares for good across ScotRail services - which brought fares down by up to 48 per cent.

“The Scottish Government is resolutely focused on supporting people with the cost-of-living - as food, electricity and other costs continue to rise, we are taking action to keep the costs of people’s commute down.”

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The freeze applies to all ScotRail fares, including season tickets and flexipasses.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop added: “We have implemented this freeze to maintain the attractiveness and affordability of rail.

“From September last year, Scotland became the only part of the UK to remove peak fares, the biggest reform to rail fares in decades.

“With lower fares, more staff than ever before, and growing passengers and services numbers, we are delivering on our aim to make Scotland’s publicly-owned operator an even greater success.”

The move has been welcomed by the rail union TSSA, but believes it is an election pledge and that Scottish Labour should take over the Scottish Government in May.

Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the TSSA, said: “What we need to see now is a long-term drive to make Scotland’s railways affordable for the people of Scotland.

“It’s true that the cost-of-living continues to hit people hard but the SNP has had many years in power to take steps to address this.

“We need a proper plan under a Labour administration at Holyrood which will keep rail travel and other means of public transport not only in public hands but affordable for all.”