Highland Railcard Scheme Welcomed for Rannoch Residents

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Highland Railcard Scheme Welcomed for Rannoch Residents

The introduction by Perth and Kinross Council of the Highland Railcard for residents in the Rannoch area was welcomed by MSP John Swinney on 18 July.

This comes in response to the end of the concessionary rail fare scheme on the Rannoch to Fort William route. The Council, however, has recognised that in the isolated rural area around Rannoch station, rail services play a key public transport role. Previously the MSP had the issue raised with him by a number of his concerned constituents who were deeply frustrated by the decision to end the concessionary rail fare scheme on the Rannoch to Fort William route. This was as a direct result of the introduction of the Executive’s National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

“This resulted in a particularly large increase in the cost of a rail journey in Highland Perthshire. I am pleased that the option of a Highland Railcard is now available to residents in the PH17 postcode area. This means that the holder will have a 50% discount off the cost of a rail journey on the whole West Highland line," said John Swinney.

“Perth and Kinross Council have been in discussion with First Scotrail for some time on how to remedy this situation and I welcome the decision by the Council to purchase Highland Railcards for those who need them the most. Rural residents are too often neglected when it comes to public transport but this is a step in the right direction," he continued.

“Rail travellers in Highland Perthshire have had to cope with both the removal of concessionary rail fares and the huge hike in prices by First Scotrail, leading to a fare increase of over 100% on some routes. This latest development, however, shows that progress is being made.