New figures uncovered by local Lib Dem activist Neil Alexander have revealed that the number of people purchasing any rail ticket from across different Highland stations has declined in the past year
The figures revealed that the number of rail passengers from Inverness, Nairn and Elgin all decreased in the past year, with the number from Inverness declining by over 10%
Last year, the Scottish Government re-introduced peak rail fare prices, as well as price increases of 8.7%. ScotRail train prices are due to rise again this year by 3.8% in April
In response to these figures, Highland and Moray Lib Dem Spokesperson, Neil Alexander, has called on the Scottish Government to scrap planned rail fare hikes in April this year
Neil Alexander said:
“These figures paint a worrying picture of the current state of our train services in the Highlands.
“Fewer people are using the train as a means of transport, and with the cost of living already putting significant strain on families, the proposed fare increase in April could not come at a worse time.
“The Scottish Government must listen to Highland commuters and cancel this fare hike.
“We should be looking at ways to make our publicly-owned train travel more affordable and accessible for everyone.
“We cannot afford to make it more expensive to travel by train when alternatives are limited and the climate crisis demands greater use of public transport, not less.”
The Liberal Democrats have long advocated for affordable and sustainable public transport, and Neil Alexander’s call comes as part of a broader effort to ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the push for accessible, green transport options.
Mr Alexander called again for a fair fare review to take place for all rail travel:
“Liberal Democrats have been calling for a fair fare review on all of our ScotRail train fares for years now
“It should not be cheaper by far to travel by car than to use the bus or train, and it’s time the Scottish Government listened to our Highland commuters concerns, not just those in the central belt.”
