THE Scottish government has been urged to reconsider its decision to bring back peak rail fares.

More than 10 million additional train journeys were made during the 12-month scheme that started on October 2023, analysis has shown.

Rail fares are now set to increase by an above-inflation 3.8 per cent on April 1.

The Scottish Greens’ transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said: “Public transport has to be accessible and affordable if it is to become the first choice for workers, students and commuters.

“Peak rail fares are an unfair tax. Why should the same journey cost more before a certain time of day?

“A lot of people and families are already under pressure and are being forced to stretch their budgets too far to meet their basic needs. Now they are being asked to dig deeper and pay some of Europe’s highest rail fares to get to work; it is simply unfair.”

The Scottish government was contacted for comment.