Christmas Rush Sees Scotland’s Railways Break Passenger Records

Scotland’s railways recorded a landmark day on Friday, 12 December, with more than 345,000 journeys made – the highest daily total of the year and the most since public ownership began in April 2022.

The figure of 345,216 journeys surpassed previous records set during major events, including the Edinburgh Festivals, concerts by Taylor Swift and Oasis, and high-profile sporting matches. The numbers reflect strong demand for rail travel as the festive season ramps up, with passengers heading to Christmas parties, markets, shopping trips, nights out, and commuting.

To meet the surge in demand, ScotRail has introduced longer trains on weekends and added late-night services on key routes, giving customers more options and seats for safe and sustainable travel over the busy holiday period.

A major factor in the record-breaking numbers is the permanent removal of peak fares across ScotRail services, implemented by the Scottish Government on 1 September – a first for rail travel anywhere in Britain. The change simplifies ticketing and offers passengers significant savings, with some journeys, such as Edinburgh to Glasgow, reduced by almost half.

David Ross, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said:

“We thank customers for their continuing support. It’s great to see so many people choosing to travel with ScotRail at one of the busiest times of the year. Friday’s record numbers show the hard work of our teams in adding extra services, running longer trains, and supporting our customers during this busy season. With Christmas parties, shopping trips, and celebrations underway – and with peak fares gone for good – rail offers a simple, cost-effective way to travel. We’ll keep focusing on providing the reliable service, seats, and support our customers expect as we approach Christmas and the New Year.”

Image: ScotRail