LIB DEMS URGE TRAIN COMPANIES TO EXPLAIN TICKETING SYSTEM ON SCOTLAND'S RAIL NETWORK (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

LIB DEMS URGE TRAIN COMPANIES TO EXPLAIN TICKETING SYSTEM ON SCOTLAND'S RAIL NETWORK

September 7, 2010 1:59 PM
Originally published by Alison McInnes

Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP has revealed how complicated and inconsistent fare prices are for taking the train in Scotland.

In one of the more extreme examples uncovered in the investigation, it was shown that even passengers travelling on the same train could be paying different rates: those going to Inverkeithing on the 11.20am from Leuchars pay £12.80, whilst those going to Edinburgh Waverly on the same service pay £11.20 - £1.60 less to travel 15 miles further. (See notes for further examples).

Commenting Mrs McInnes said:

"There seems no obvious answer as to how the train fares on Scotland's rail network are calculated.

"Prices for the same journey vary widely with there being little rhyme or reason for the difference in price at different points of the day.

"Encouraging people to swap the car for the train is a vital way of reducing our carbon foot print in Scotland.

"Liberal Democrats are committed to a having a viable and sustainable public transport network but in order to encourage people to use the train more regularly, we need a ticketing system that is easy to understand, user friendly and fair.

"Urging train companies to be more transparent around how they calculate train fares and ensuring that train fares are fair will be a step in the right direction.

"I have written to the train providers throughout Scotland, to ask them to provide an explanation on how they calculate train fares.

"I look forward to entering into discussion with train providers in Scotland about this vital issue and working with them towards a fair and understandable system on Scotland's rail network.