MSP's Rail Price Hike Meeting

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MSP's Rail Price Hike Meeting

On 28 July MSP John Swinney met First Scotrail Commercial Director Peter Williams in Glasgow to discuss the recent hike in rail fares from Pitlochry to Perth. He was accompanied by P&K C'llr for Pitlochry, Eleanor Howie

There has been widespread concern in the local community about the increases which, in some cases, are as high as over 120 per cent. The MSP and the councillor have been making repeated representations to First Scotrail regarding the increases and this meeting was the latest step in that process.

They asked First Scotrail to re-consider the increases made and to come forward with lower fares. The company has agreed to do this before the next round of price changes in September.

John Swinney reported: "Eleanor Howie and I have been pressing First Scotrail on these fare increases for some time. The scale of the increase is wholly unacceptable and we wanted to convey that to First Scotrail face to face. The rail link from Pitlochry to Perth is a valuable and essential link and these fares are pricing people out of the market. Often local travellers do not have a choice over using the train service and these prices are a great burden on travellers.

"We have encouraged First Scotrail to think again about these rises and to recognise the burden these costs are for locals and visitors to the area. I hope First Scotrail recognise the scale of the problem that has been created here and take urgent steps to resolve it."

Unacceptable

Cllr Howie added: "These increases have been foisted on local people without any consultation or any warning. There had been no advance warning that First Scotrail were even contemplating an increase. This lack of consultation along with the size of the increase is not acceptable.

"I welcome the fact that First Scotrail has agreed to re-consider the scale of the price increase and I hope they come forward with more acceptable proposals in the near future. The people of Pitlochry put a lot of effort into maintaining and supporting the local station, including running a much valued book stall, and John Swinney and I do not want to see local people priced out of using rail travel."