TSSA Welcomes ScotRail Fare Freeze but Demands Long-Term Affordability Plan

The TSSA union has welcomed a decision by the Scottish Government to freeze fares on ScotRail services, while urging ministers to commit to lasting reforms to keep rail travel affordable.

First Minister John Swinney confirmed earlier today that ticket prices across ScotRail will remain unchanged. The freeze covers all fares, including season tickets and Flexipass products, offering relief to passengers amid ongoing cost of living pressures.

Responding to the announcement, TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust signalled support for the move but stressed it must not be a temporary gesture ahead of May’s Holyrood elections.

Maryam Eslamdoust said:

“We welcome this move from the SNP government – but make no mistake it can be no short-term measure as we head into the Holyrood elections in May. What we need to see now is a long-term drive to make Scotland’s railways affordable for the people of Scotland. It’s true that the cost of living continues to hit people hard but the SNP has had many years in power to take steps to address this. We need a proper plan under a Labour administration at Holyrood which will keep rail travel and other means of public transport not only in public hands but affordable for all.”

The union, which represents staff in management, clerical, supervisor, station and engineering roles within ScotRail, said a sustained strategy is needed to ensure rail remains both publicly owned and accessible to communities across Scotland.

Image: TSSA