Introduction

This paper provides an interim evaluation of the impact of the removal of peak fares from the ScotRail network. It covers the period from the introduction of the Pilot in October 2023 to May 2024. As such it remains a preliminary analysis and is subject to significant uncertainty over the long-term impacts. Before the Pilot concludes in September 2024, a final evaluation will be undertaken and the Scottish Government will then carefully consider the impact and long-term sustainability of any further measures.

This paper focuses on two main strands; an analysis of the impact on rail demand from the Pilot and the results of initial survey work (undertaken over the first 3 months of the Pilot) which explored the impact on existing and new rail passengers. Further survey work was scheduled for early June, but the announcement of a UK General Election means that Civil Service rules relating to this form of Social Research suggest that this should be postponed until the election is concluded. Survey work in July will allow it to be incorporated into the Final Evaluation Report.