Rail operator quizzed over ticket prices

MORAY’S MP is in talks over a number of issues with First Scotrail, including why a journey from Forres to Aberdeen costs more than the trip from Nairn.

The talks are being held ahead of a decision about who will run Scotland’s trains in the coming years.

Angus Robertson MP is highlighting concerns raised by the public about overcrowding, ticket pricing and on-train services as part of the consultation being carried out with rail stakeholders.

“As we progress through rail franchise negotiations, company’s like First Scotrail have to identify what improvements they need to make so they can set out what their future plans for our railway will be.

“As the existing train operators, First Scotrail have to come to the table with plans to deal with any existing issues on the services that they run as well as set out their stall for the future.

“The passenger experience is clearly of critical importance in rail travel and much of that responsibility will sit with the franchise holder.”

The ‘Gazette’ revealed this time last year that Forres commuters pay more for the train to Aberdeen than any other Moray station.

Scotrail replied that discounted fares have to be commercially viable and as such, introducing the lowest Advance fares is subject to being able to tap into latent demand with the potential to attract even more people to use trains.

“Latent demand” from a business perspective may be that there is a market for travellers in Nairn who are more inclined to go to Inverness than Aberdeen,” said a spokesperson, “therefore a discounted ticket may encourage them to take the train further to the bigger city.”

Mr Robertson pointed out that a year later, fares from Nairn to Aberdeen are still cheaper than fares from Moray stations on the same trains for a shorter distance.

“Issues that are regularly raised with me by constituents include overcrowding on some peak time services, the lack of a trolley service on some of the trains and there is still a particular concern about ticket pricing,” he added.

“I am again setting out these issues in direct discussions with First Scotrail and I want them to address these concerns in their new franchise bid.

“It is of course equally important than the other rail companies bidding for the franchise also take these issues on board and have a plan for the future that they can be held to account on.”