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ScotRail is introducing a new minimum charge of £10 for passengers caught travelling without a valid ticket, targeting individuals who deliberately avoid paying for their journeys. This penalty surpasses the standard fare cost for most shorter routes. For example, a trip from Bishopbriggs to Glasgow Queen Street, which typically costs £3 if booked in advance, would incur an additional £7 charge under the new policy.
However, the £10 minimum fare will not apply in cases where the normal ticket price already exceeds this amount. It remains essential for passengers to purchase tickets before boarding in order to benefit from any discounted rates. According to ScotRail, fare evasion currently results in losses exceeding £11 million annually for the state-owned rail service.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail’s customer operations director, emphasized that the new charge aims to promote fairness for those who pay their fares. He stated, “Every pound lost through fraudulent travel is money that would have been reinvested into the railway, and we will take robust action to deal with those purposely avoiding payment.” Campbell also highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce ticket fraud, including increased staff presence, enhanced inspections at stations, and the use of advanced data analysis to identify offenders.
Certain exceptions apply to the minimum fare policy. These include passengers holding a national entitlement card, those travelling from stations without ticket offices or ticket vending machines, and people with registered disabilities preventing them from using vending machines. Staff members will have discretion to consider individual circumstances when issuing fines. Additionally, customers who can only pay by cash may obtain a “promise to pay” ticket from a machine and then purchase a valid ticket from on-train staff.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop commented on the initiative, noting that “while around 95% of passengers already travel with a valid ticket, it is only right that ScotRail can take action against those who seek to avoid doing so.” ScotRail plans to commence a period of passenger education starting 1 April, with the full enforcement of the scheme beginning in July
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