Question reference: S6W-21967
- Asked by: Richard Leonard, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 3 October 2023 Registered interest
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 18 October 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how the ScotRail peak fares removal pilot will be monitored and evaluated.
Answer
The purpose of the ScotRail Peak Fares Removal pilot is to identify if it helps reduce car use and will make rail travel more affordable and accessible during its six month period and to assess, using standard techniques whether it represents value for money (VfM).
The Value for Money will be formally assessed by comparing the initial forecasts and associated monetarised benefits and costs with the actual outcomes in terms of demand across all modes. This will include data from ScotRail and Transport Scotland. This is a key benefit of the change being a pilot rather than permanent.
The ScotRail Peak Fares Pilot will end on 29 March 2024 and the evaluation findings (including the assessment for Value for Money) will inform further decisions setting future fares.