Question reference: S3W-17913
- Asked by: Shirley-Anne Somerville, MSP for Lothians, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 17 November 2008
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Current status: Answered by Stewart Stevenson on 18 November 2008
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome is of its review of rail fares policy in Scotland.
Answer
I am pleased to announce that the Scottish Government will continue its fares policy at RPI+1% for regulated fares and that there will be no change in balance between regulated and unregulated fares.
In addition, we have looked at the position in the Strathclyde area. Ministers will align Strathclyde fares changes with the rest of Scotland from January 2009. So that Strathclyde passengers are not adversely affected by the earlier increase ministers have secured a lower rate of increase to Strathclyde fares at 4%. Strathclyde fares would have increased by 6% in May 2009.
Both of these measures are consistent with the aims of Scotland''s Railways; they will maintain the affordability of passenger rail travel and simplify fares arrangements.