Tag: transport

Scotrail unveils ‘Intae-Rail’ map of Scotland’s best European destination dupes 

  • Guide helps Scots swap Positano for Plockton, Innsbruck for Inverness, Chamonix for Corpach and Germany’s famous Black Forest for Blair Atholl. 
  • Five travel experts jumped on board a ScotRail Intae-Rail adventure,  
  • ScotRail has unveiled a new ‘Intae-Rail’ map and guide, pairing Scotland’s most spectacular rail destinations with some of Europe’s most iconic hotspots to prove unforgettable adventures are closer than you think. 

Every year, thousands of Scots dream of hopping on an Interrail adventure to discover incredible food, spectacular scenery, historic towns and unforgettable experiences across Europe.

But with the October break just around the corner, ScotRail’s new Intae-Rail guide is encouraging travellers to discover those same experiences closer to home, with 15 Scottish destination dupes waiting to be explored by train. 

Swap Bilbao for Dundee, Positano for Plockton, Copenhagen’s foodie scene for Leith’s waterfront dining, or the Swiss Alps for the Cairngorms, Intae-Rail pairs some of Europe’s most iconic escapes with their Scottish destination counterparts via a map and online guide – proving you don’t need to cross the continent to find incredible food, culture, scenery and adventure. 

Each Scottish alternative comes with its own ready-made Intae-Rail itinerary, packed with inspiration on what to see, eat, explore and experience when you get there – helping travellers turn European holiday inspiration into an adventure they can enjoy by train right here in Scotland. 

It taps into the growing ‘destination dupe’ trend, which is seeing travellers swap famous holiday hotspots for lesser-known alternatives offering a similar experience, often without the crowds, cost or hassle. 

According to research by Expedia, one in three (34%) travellers have already visited a destination considered a dupe of a more popular location, while almost half (47%) would consider doing so. 

And it could particularly resonate with Scots. With affordability increasingly shaping holiday choices, research shows 45% of Scots expect to holiday in Scotland during 2026, as travellers look closer to home for shorter, more convenient breaks. 

Now, ScotRail is putting a Scottish spin on the trend – showing that some of Europe’s most sought-after experiences could be just a train journey away. 

Whether it’s a day trip, weekend break or a bigger adventure linking several stops, travellers can build their own Intae-Rail escape around whatever they’re “intae” – from food or exploring to nature, sightseeing and adventure. 

Among the European-inspired recommendations to feature are: 

Intae Adventure 

  • Swiss Alps for the Cairngorms (Aviemore station) 

Intae Exploring  

  • Bilbao, Spain for Dundee (Dundee station) 

Intae Sightseeing 

  • Positano, Italy for Plockton (Plockton station) 

Intae Food and Drink 

  • Pula, Croatia for Oban (Oban station) 

Intae Nature 

  • Black Forest, Germany for Blair Atholl (Blair Atholl station) 

Five Scots travel experts put Intae-Rail to the test, jumping aboard to experience individually designed itineraries built around five different passions – adventure, exploring, sightseeing, food and drink, and nature. Among them were Glasgow twin travellers and official TikTok ambassadors for Scotland,  Kieran and Kevin D’Arcy, who regularly document their adventures on social media as @darcytwins. 

The siblings have always been into food and drink, so they hopped on board a ScotRail service from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban, as they enjoyed a culinary experience that rivals Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula. 

Kevin D’Arcy said: “Despite travelling all over Scotland and visiting plenty of places across Europe, we’d somehow never made it to Oban. Coming here by train made the journey feel like part of the experience, and once we arrived it was easy to see why so many people love it. 

“You don’t have to fly to somewhere like Pula to enjoy great seafood, a beautiful harbour and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Oban has all of that in its own way – including a striking amphitheatre.  

“What really stood out was how much there is packed into such a walkable town. We had incredible seafood, wandered around the harbour, visited the distillery and just enjoyed taking everything at a slower pace, which felt very European. 

“If you’re into food and drink, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a weekend eating well, exploring and enjoying the scenery without feeling like you need to rush anywhere.” 

Lauren Smith from Abedeen took a cross-Highland trip to Plockton for Scotland’s answer to the “la dolce vita” vibes of the Amalfi Coast. She said: “You don’t have to head overseas to have a European-style adventure. Whatever you’re intae, there’s probably a place in Scotland that offers it. 

“I found a picturesque harbourside town that really is Scotland’s answer to the Amalfi Coast, it even included palm trees. 

“The charming village was quaint and peaceful, and all easily accessible by train. The journey also reminded me of my proud Gaelic roots, as I was able to deliver a quick guide of some of the Gaelic ways of saying station names. 

“It showed how some of the best moments can happen on your journey, allowing you to slow down, relax on the train as you pass beautiful scenery along the way.” 

Intae-Rail experiences are more affordable than ever with no peak fares on all ScotRail services, plus rail fares being frozen until March 2027. 

And for those travelling with children aged 5-15, Kids for a Quid tickets are just £1 each return. Travellers looking for epic adventures around Scotland can consider the Highland Rover for trips up north, or the Scottish Grand for just £92. There are so many affordable options to use when travelling by train, so spur of the moment trips needn’t cost a fortune. 

Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said: “Scotland is home to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, vibrant communities and unforgettable experiences to rival anything in Europe – and they’re all reachable by train. 

“Whether you’re into adventure, food and drink, history or simply discovering somewhere new, our Intae-Rail guide is designed to inspire people to see Scotland differently and make the most of everything on their doorstep. 

“And with the October break coming up, there’s no better time to Go by Train, with a range of ticket options available to help families and travellers turn Intae-Rail inspiration into their next Scottish adventure. 

“The journey is all part of the experience, and travelling by train gives customers the chance to relax, enjoy Scotland’s incredible landscapes and create lasting memories along the way.” 

Lumo thanks Scotland customers for leaving the car at home

Customers travelling on Lumo’s East and West Coast routes in Scotland were thanked for making a greener travel choice, with thousands of wildflower seeds given away to mark World Car Free Day on Tuesday (22 September 2026).

Lumo surprised customers on selected services with special packets of wildflower seeds; a small gift designed to grow into a lasting reminder of the difference more sustainable travel choices can make.

The initiative marked World Car Free Day and celebrated the contribution customers make every time they choose to travel by rail rather than road or air.

Mike Roberts, Partnerships Manager at Lumo, said: “Every time someone chooses the train instead of taking the car, they’re making a decision that can help leave a lighter footprint. World Car Free Day felt like the perfect opportunity for us simply to say thank you.

“We hope people will take their seeds home, plant them and enjoy watching them grow. We won’t see the flowers today, but that’s rather the point – they’re a small reminder that the choices we make now can make a difference to the future.”

An average journey by train produces nearly five times less carbon emissions than making the equivalent journey by car. Choosing rail also helps reduce the number of cars on Britain’s roads, easing congestion while supporting a more sustainable way to travel.

Independent research commissioned by the Rail Delivery Group found that travelling by rail produces 85% less CO₂ per passenger than the equivalent domestic flight.

Across the routes studied, that means an average saving of 102 kg CO₂e per journey when passengers choose the train. That’s the equivalent of boiling over 20,000 cups of water.

The activity comes as Lumo continues to establish its new West Coast services between London Euston and Stirling, connecting communities including Crewe, Preston and Carlisle.

Lumo has placed sustainability at the heart of its approach to rail travel, encouraging more people to choose the train while working with organisations and communities along the routes it serves.

The World Car Free Day giveaway continues that approach by putting something tangible into customers’ hands – with the potential to leave a greener footprint long after their journey has ended.

Source: Train vs Plane

Letter: Public transport inaccessible

Dear Editor

Like most of us, I don’t think twice before hopping on a bus or train to go to work, meet friends or do a spot of shopping.

However, for millions of people across the country who are deaf or have hearing loss, barriers on public transport can make even every day journeys feel impossible.

Challenges like inaccessible live travel information and a lack of deaf awareness from transport staff can cause huge amounts of stress and anxiety and even force people with hearing loss to stop using public transport altogether.

These are the shocking findings in Clear Signals, a major new report from RNID which found widespread accessibility barriers on public transport in the UK, including buses, trains, trams, underground services and ferries.

It’s unacceptable that in 2026, people with hearing loss are facing these barriers, simply because they want to get from A to B.

As our report makes clear – solutions do exist but it needs a coordinated response. We’re calling on the Government and transport sector to take action, so everyone has access to the safe and independent travel they deserve. 

Yours sincerely,

Victoria Boelman

Director of Policy at RNID

Clear-Signals-FinalDownload

More people than ever using Edinburgh’s bike lanes

More bikes than cars at morning rush hour for the first time on Leith Walk

  • More bikes than cars at morning rush hour for the first time on Leith Walk, Edinburgh
  • 67,572 cycle journeys recorded on Leith Walk in the month of May, a 25% increase on May 2025
  • Record share of journeys on York Place being made by bike

New traffic data analysed by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, shows the continuing success of high-quality cycle lanes, with record levels of cycling seen on key routes in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Over a 48-hour period in May 2026, traffic surveys recorded 5,653 bike journeys on Edinburgh’s Leith Walk – a record at this location.

Cycle journeys accounted for 11% of all methods of travel on Leith Walk, with more bikes than cars counted during one morning rush hour period (8-9am, Wednesday 13th May) – the first time this has been observed on an on-street cycle route in Edinburgh.

On nearby York Place, where protected cycle lanes now connect the City Centre West East Link route to Leith Walk, 2,018 bikes were recorded over the 48-hour period, amounting to 4.7% of all travel methods recorded, both marking new records for the location.

This cycling modal share is a significant increase on the first survey conducted on York Place in May 2021, when bikes accounted for only 2.1% of journeys – a sign of the growing impact of the new cycling infrastructure.

In addition to results from this 48-hour traffic survey, a permanent cycle counter on Picardy Place at the top of Leith Walk has been recording its highest levels of cycle traffic in 2026. 67,572 cycle journeys were recorded through all of May 2026 compared with 54,193 throughout May 2025 (an increase of 25%).

Great Junction Street in Leith saw a record 2,043 bikes counted over the two days, with a cycling modal share of 4.4%. This follows the recent completion of Leith Connections project, with a new protected cycle lane connecting Leith Walk to Commercial Street.

At all of these locations, strong peaks in cycling were seen at morning and evening rush hours, indicating that more people are travelling by bike for everyday journeys, like commuting to and from work.

Analysis of traffic levels also shows that long-term increases in cycling modal share at these locations are primarily due to more people cycling, rather than any corresponding decrease in vehicle traffic.

Traffic surveys carried out by Cycling Scotland, in partnership with local authorities, involve a temporary camera counting all passing traffic at more than 50 locations across Scotland. The surveys count all travel modes including pedestrians, bikes, cars, buses, vans and larger goods vehicles.

Conducted biannually each May and September, with funding from Transport Scotland, these nationwide traffic surveys help to track changes in modal share, highlighting how new high-quality cycle routes are supporting more people to make sustainable journeys.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “I am pleased to see Cycling Scotland’s latest figures on cycle lane use in Edinburgh. The record levels of use across the city particularly on Edinburgh’s City Centre West-East Link demonstrates the infrastructure we are providing is helping more people than ever travel by bike for everyday journeys.
 
“Active travel is pivotal in helping people save money, improve their health and reduce transport emissions – walking, wheeling and cycling is transformational for both people and planet.
 
“We are investing £226 million in active and sustainable travel this year, and the evidence shown by these figures highlights how this funding is creating safer and easier routes that will lead to more people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.”

Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Edinburgh City Council Transport and Environment Convener, said: “These new figures speak for themselves.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen city cycling records being consistently broken. This is a direct consequence of our commitment to creating and improving cycling infrastructure across Edinburgh, as part of our City Mobility Plan.

“We’ve also seen the overwhelming popularity and success of our cycle hire scheme, delivered by Voi, providing a convenient and economic way for people to get around.

“It’s never been easier to cycle in the Capital, so I’d encourage anyone thinking about it to give it a try.”

Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “What we see clearly from the data is where Edinburgh invests in protected cycle lanes and improved networks of cycling routes, more people are travelling by bike.

“The high volumes of cycling that we continue to see around morning rush hour tells its own story, with people evidently using these new routes to make everyday journeys by bike, including to work. We’re also seeing signs of a strong network effect, as routes begin to join together and make more journeys possible.

“Altogether, more people cycling is a net benefit for everyone, for our health, for reducing harmful pollution and reducing congestion on our streets. We need more safe cycling routes, to bring these advantages to more people across Edinburgh and Scotland.”

Edinburgh drivers hit with £1.1 MILLION in bus lane fines in just 6 months

UK drivers hit with £37.7 million in bus lane fines in the first six months of 2026, new analysis reveals

  • MoneySuperMarket requested Freedom of Information (FOI) data to reveal the cities issuing the most fines for bus lane and bus gate infringements
  • More than 1.17 million fines for driving in bus lanes and gates were issued in the first six months of 2026 – the equivalent of one fine every 13 seconds
  • In the first half of 2026, an average of £200,000 was collected each day from British motorists for bus-related driving penalties

British drivers have been issued more than 1.17 million bus lane and gate Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) during the first half of 2026, generating more than £37.7 million in fines, according to new analysis by car insurance expert MoneySuperMarket. 

Though most drivers will be aware of bus lanes, the road lanes reserved for buses, and often taxis, cyclists and motorbikes, bus gates may be more unfamiliar. These ‘gates’ block a short stretch of road to all traffic except buses, rather than restricting one lane. Both bus lanes and gates are enforced by CCTV or automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and can result in PCN fines being issued for rule breaches.

The analysis, based on Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made by MoneySuperMarket to 77 councils and transport authorities across England, Scotland and Wales, reveals the scale and cost of bus lane enforcement across Great Britain.  The data shows the equivalent of one fine issued roughly every 13 seconds – more than £200,000 collected from motorists per day.

The research also reveals which authorities issued the most PCNs across the first six months of the year, with Transport for London (TfL) taking the top spot with 90,511 fines issued. Outside of London, Manchester follows in second place with 77,878 fines issued, while Sheffield ranks third with 59,011 PCNs issued. 

Number of PCNs Issued for Bus Lane and Gate Infringements, By City/Authority

Rank City/Authority Total PCNs issued for bus lane/gate infringement (Jan – June 2026) 
1 Transport for London (TfL) 90,511 
2 Manchester 77,878 
3 Sheffield 59,011 
4 Bristol 56,882 
5 Leeds 53,009 
6 Birmingham 51,687 
7 Southampton 42,216 
8 Reading 36,583 
9 Liverpool 35,526 
10 Coventry 35,265 

Manchester generated the most revenue from fines paid for bus lane and gate infringements, with the council receiving over £2.7 million in revenue in the first six months of 2026. Despite issuing more PCNs, TfL generated just under £2.4 million in revenue for the same time, with Birmingham (£2.17m) placing third.

Total Revenue from Bus Lane and Gate PCN Fines, By City/Authority

Rank City/Authority Total revenue from bus lane/gate infringement fines (Jan – June 2026) 
1 Manchester £2,726,409 
2 Transport for London (TfL) £2,374,283 
3 Birmingham £2,165,600 
4 Sheffield £1,700,741 
5 Glasgow £1,699,474 
6 Leeds £1,412,740 
7 Southwark £1,409,105 
8 Bristol £1,265,641 
9 Edinburgh £1,186,458 
10 Liverpool £1,166,222 

Alicia Hempsted, Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, says: “Bus lanes and gates are an important part of our road infrastructure, so it’s important to keep them clear of cars and allow them to flow freely, particularly during busy periods. However, for many drivers, a brief lapse of attention or navigating an unfamiliar street can have expensive consequences. 

“PCNs are civil penalties, rather than criminal notices, so unlike offences for speeding or drink-driving, they won’t have any impact on your car insurance. If you do receive a PCN for a bus lane or gate infringement, you should try to address it as soon as possible as fines are often reduced by 50% if they’re settled within 14 to 21 days, though this does vary between locations. 

“You should always review the details of the PCN carefully before paying it to confirm they are correct. You can dispute a PCN by contacting the issuing council or TfL, which you should do as soon as possible if you feel it’s incorrect.

“However, if you fail to pay a PCN within the given time period, these can be escalated to a County Court judgment or bailiff action, which could show up on credit checks in the future.”

Cole-Hamilton presses Transport Secretary on Echline Slip Roads

Edinburgh North-Western MSP, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has today contacted the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, urging him to reconsider the Scottish Government’s 2018 decision to restrict the A90 slip roads at the Echline junction.

The restriction has seriously altered traffic movements into and out of Queensferry. 

Almost overnight, there was a substantial increase in traffic using Station Road, Bankhead Road, and the B924 – roads that were never designed to accommodate such high volumes of traffic.

Since then, Builyeon Road became the principal route for vehicles entering and leaving the town, which has seriously decreased the safety of the road.

The new housing development in Queensferry at Builyeon Road will cause another diversion at the beginning of 2027, with traffic being re-routed through the residential development and past the new primary school.

Alex has urged the Cabinet Secretary to reverse the previous decision and open the slip roads to all traffic, cutting congestion and, crucially, improving road safety – especially for the young people who cross the road to get to school.

Speaking on the issue, Alex said: ‘The traffic flow in Queensferry has been a burden on residents for too many years now.

Many are having to wait in traffic, with my constituents also telling me how unsafe the road is to cross. This is all while a solution sits ready to be actioned.

Restoring these connections would provide a valuable alternative route for motorists, relieve pressure on the local road network, and reduce the volume of traffic which will pass through a residential neighbourhood and alongside a primary school.

I hope the Cabinet Secretary takes my concerns seriously, and we see a change soon.’

Transport Sec LetterDownload

Community guests enjoy special service ahead of Lumo launch

  • New Lumo West Coast service officially launches Monday 25 May
  • Low-cost fares start from just £29.90 between London Euston and Stirling
  • Community partners given the chance to experience the service with surprises including a Scottish bagpiper and a Caribbean steel drum performance

Excitement is building as Lumo prepares to launch its much-anticipated new West Coast rail service on Monday 25 May – and lucky guests have already been given the chance to give it a try.

Community partners, Lumo apprentices and other special guests from along the route all came together to experience the breathtaking views on the route and a first taste of Lumo’s renowned customer service onboard the refreshed trains connecting Stirling with London Euston.

The iconic sound of Scottish bagpipes rung out across Stirling as guests set off on one of Lumo’s six-coach eye-catching blue trains, which have received widespread critical acclaim, with refreshed interiors and a single-class service designed to offer the best value fares; replicating the success of Lumo on the East Coast Main Line.

There are just days to go until customers will be able to get big savings on the popular route. Tickets start from just £29.90 between London Euston and Stirling. Travelling from London to Preston starts from just £23.90 and Preston to Stirling from an impressive £14.90. The service will also call at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert.

As part of the launch celebrations, Lumo has partnered with Pride Radio, an inclusive station broadcasting across the UK. The radio station’s Breakfast Show was broadcast live from a special ‘Rail Roadshow’ at Stirling Station, giving listeners the chance to win a range of exciting prizes and find out more about the new service. The bus will also be at Carlisle Market on 22 and 23 May.

Residents of Stirling, meanwhile, were treated to a stunning display as iconic local landmarks including the National Wallace Monument were illuminated in Lumo’s distinctive blue on the evening before the special preview train departed for London. The Jamsalana Steel Band treated guests to a vibrant performance as the train arrived in London Euston.

Stuart Jones, Managing Director at First Rail Open Access, said: “We’re just days away from officially launching our new West Coast service and we couldn’t have reached this point without a great deal of hard work and planning from our dedicated team and network of brilliant partners across the industry.

“I’d like to thank everyone who joined us for our special preview train which offered a glimpse of what’s to come. We’re passionate about the benefits that Lumo can offer the West Coast, with a service that is important for both customers and communities along the route.”

Lumo’s West Coast service is creating around 100 jobs, with a new rail base which opened in Preston in March. New roles include customer drivers, instructors and customer experience ambassadors. A recruitment drive has been underway with a particular focus on encouraging people to join the industry from a variety of backgrounds and previous careers.

Graeme Cook, Rail Director, Transport Scotland said: “Lumo’s new Stirling to London route is a very welcome addition to cross-border services which will provide wider economic and connectivity benefits to Scotland.

“The new services will not only boost tourism and hospitality for Stirling and the Forth Valley, but also increase connectivity by now providing customers from Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert with direct access to rail connections on the West Coast Main Line and London.”

Colin Howden, Director of National Sustainable Transport Alliance – Transform Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to see this new service connecting Stirling with London. It delivers a lower carbon option than flying or driving at an affordable price.

“We’re confident that the new service will provide a catalyst for Stirling’s sustainable tourism ambitions. It provides a direct connection for visitors from London as well as for international inbound visitors arriving in London.”

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Susan McGill said: “We are delighted to mark the launch of Lumo’s new rail service between Stirling and London by lighting up some of our world-class visitor attractions and venues in blue.

“The additional four daily journeys between Stirling and London will enable more people to travel here to visit these landmarks and enjoy everything else we have to offer in the city and the wider region.

“They will also enhance Stirling’s already superb rail and transport connections across the UK, driving economic growth and job creation, as well as providing more sustainable travel options for residents and visitors.

“The sight of the first blue Lumo train in Stirling is an exciting moment, and we will continue to work closely with Lumo to ensure the new service is a success and delivers lasting benefits for everyone across the region.”

The operator has already successfully served the East Coast Main Line for a number of years, linking Glasgow, Falkirk and Edinburgh with the North East of England and London.

Lumo has already established several community partnerships on the West Coast including the popular ‘Bloody Scotland’ crime writing festival and Stirling Pride with more to follow in the coming months.

Lumo has been successfully shortlisted in the Proud Scotland awards taking place on 30th May in Glasgow in the Best Small Employer category.

North Edinburgh Connections: Pennywell Road consultation

Consultation now open by @Edinburgh_CC on ‘North Edinburgh Connections’ active travel scheme (Ferry Road-Pennywell Road-West Granton Road).

You can see the plans and comment (closing date 9 June) here:

http://bit.ly/4d0gHHX

Scottish Government announces free rail travel for companions of visually impaired people

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans welcome the Scottish Government announcement today that free rail travel for companions of visually impaired people has been made a permanent policy across all ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper services.

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans have been campaigning for this ‘life-changing’ decision for over three years through its Fair Rail campaign. The call for a new national policy arose when veterans at Sight Scotland Veterans raised an equality issue: visually impaired people had to pay for a companion on every rail journey, making travel unaffordable, while travelling without support was unsafe. They also highlighted the confusing range of concession and companion schemes across Scotland.

This news means, that from 1 April 2026, anyone with an Eye Plus One National Entitlement Card (NEC) can now travel with a companion throughout Scotland at no extra cost.

The announcement follows a year-long pilot, during which feedback from over 1,500 visually impaired NEC holders was overwhelmingly positive. Among those who knew about the scheme and had travelled by rail:

  • 84 percent used it, showing how popular it became once people were aware of it.
  • Over 95 percent of users reported benefits across every area measured, including independence, mobility, confidence when travelling, travel costs, and feeling safer and more supported.
  • Nearly nine in ten said the scheme had changed how they use rail, with 84 percent taking more trips and 69 percent visiting new places they had not travelled to before.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m pleased to confirm that from 1 April 2026, free companion rail travel for visually impaired people will become a permanent offering. This change will support around 8,000 visually impaired National Entitlement Cardholders who rely on ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper services.

“Over the past year, the pilot has clearly shown the profound impact that affordable, accessible rail travel can have for blind and partially sighted people. We’ve seen people travelling more often, gaining confidence, and needing less staff assistance. Feedback from Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans, and – most importantly – passengers themselves has been overwhelmingly positive.

“By making this scheme permanent, we’re opening up greater access to work, education, communities, and everyday life in ways many of us take for granted. This decision strengthens independence, reduces isolation, and improves quality of life, and it reflects our wider commitment to ensuring Scotland’s railway is accessible, affordable, and welcoming for everyone who depends on it.”

Anne Dignan, from Edinburgh, who is deafblind and has macular degeneration, comments: “This news is genuinely life changing. Knowing that free companion rail travel is here to stay gives me confidence and freedom I didn’t have before.

“I can plan trips without worrying about the cost of a companion ticket, travel more often, and explore new places that I couldn’t before without the extra financial burden.

“Thanks to Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans and the tireless work of campaigners, free companion travel means independence, inclusion and the opportunity for people like me with sight loss to access rail travel right across Scotland.”

Agnes Houston, 76, a former army nurse from Coatbridge, who lives with both dementia and visual impairment, says: “I am overwhelmed by this news. It means so much to me.

“Over the past year it has genuinely changed my life, and I was becoming quite worried about the pilot ending. Because of my visual impairment and dementia, I can no longer travel alone, especially over long distances, and I simply could not afford to pay for a companion. The difference the free companion rail travel has made to my mental health is extraordinary.”

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “We are delighted the Scottish Government has made free companion rail travel a permanent policy – a major step towards making train travel truly affordable and accessible for everyone.

“After more than three years of campaigning, this is a huge victory for our campaigners, service users, and our External Affairs and Campaigns team, whose hard work has made this possible.”

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said: “We’re delighted the Scottish Government’s free companion rail travel scheme for visually impaired people is being made permanent and proud to be able to play our part in improving the customer experience for people who are blind or have a visual impairment.

“This is a major step towards empowering people to be able to travel with confidence and independence, making train journeys safer and more welcoming for everyone. ScotRail is committed to ensuring the railway works for all of our customers, and the scheme is part of our wider efforts to improve accessibility across our network.”

For more information visit sightscotland.org.uk.

ScotRail fares frozen for 12 months

ScotRail fares will be frozen for the next year to keep money in people’s pockets, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

The First Minister said this is part of the government’s resolute focus on the cost of living, and follows the abolition of peak fares which cut costs by as much as 48%.   

The freeze will apply to all ScotRail fares, including Season tickets and Flexipass.

Speaking at Edinburgh Waverley station, the First Minister said: “I know the cost of living crisis is still hurting people across Scotland – and this government is determined to take action to support people wherever we can.

“Freezing rail fares is an important way for us to keep people’s costs down and keep more money in their pockets.

“This follows the removal of peak fares for good across ScotRail services – which brought fares down by up to 48%.

“The Scottish Government is resolutely focused on supporting people with the cost of living – and food, electricity and other costs continue to rise, we are taking action to keep the costs of people’s commute down.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “We have implemented this freeze to maintain the attractiveness and affordability of rail.

“From September last year, Scotland became the only part of the UK to remove peak fares, the biggest reform to rail fares in decades.

“With lower fares, more staff than ever before, and growing passengers and services numbers, we are delivering on our aim to make Scotland’s publicly owned operator an even greater success.”