More details have been released on ScotRail’s free travel scheme worth £3 million, by the Scottish government. The scheme is for thanking customers for being patience during upgrades and disruptions of the service. Customers having weekly smartcard tickets are eligible for a one-day return ticket as a compliment. Passengers on monthly tickets switching over to the electronic smartcard system, will be getting an off-peak return trip to any place in Scotland for free.
ScotRail had earlier faced heavy criticism for late and cancelled trains. Transport Scotland ordered Abello, the Dutch parent company, to bring out an investment plan in September, as performance fell below the threshold on the contract. The scheme was announced in December, as part of the Budget. Campaigners had been calling for cancelling the franchise given to Abello to run Scotland’s railway.
Humza Yousaf, transport minister, said he was delighted this fares initiative will reward customers for their patience, with the extensive improvements to transform the rail network of Scotland. Details will be announced in July of a ‘thank you’ for leisure customers. Claims for free tickets can be made on the ScotRail website, or at train stations, which will go live on 1st May.
