Professor John Robertson OBA

From BBC Business today:

Rail fares in England next year are to be frozen for the first time in 30 years, the government has announced. The freeze until March 2027 will apply to regulated fares, which includes season tickets and off-peak returns.

Scotland only gets a mention to remind us that the freeze only applies in England but there’s no mention that the Scottish Government scrapped peak rail fares in September 2025. Travellers will save 30-40% on peak-time travel only in Scotland.

For example, London to Manchester (163 miles) peak return will still cost £150 to £200 while Glasgow to Inverness (168 miles) will be only £78.50.

So, this freeze being trumpeted merely keeps rail travellers paying far more in England than in Scotland.

Sources:

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/tickets/peak-fares-gone-for-good https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-rail-freeze-in-30-years-to-ease-the-cost-of-living