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A pilot scheme scrapping peak-time ScotRail fares will end next month following a “limited degree of success”.

Transport Scotland said the trial – subsidised by the Scottish government – cost £40m but “did not achieve its aims” of encouraging more people to swap their cars for rail travel.

The scheme began in October last year and was extended past its initial six-month run. It will now come to an end on 27 September.

The trial saw the cost of a rush hour ticket between Edinburgh and Glasgow drop from £28.90 to £14.90. Post-pilot, the fare will increase to £31.40.

Those travelling between Inverness and Elgin also saw their fares drop from £22 to £14.40, while the ticket price between Glasgow and Stirling fell from £16.10 to £9.60.

Critics have branded the decision as a “hammer blow” to commuters and the climate.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said analysis showed the pilot primarily benefited existing train passengers and those with medium to higher incomes.

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Although passenger levels increased to a maximum of around 6.8%, the scheme would require a 10% increase to be self-financing.

Ms Hyslop said: “The pilot will have been welcome in saving many passengers hundreds and in some cases thousands of pounds during the cost of living crisis but this level of subsidy cannot continue in the current financial climate on that measure alone.”

Super off-peak tickets will be reintroduced, alongside the introduction of a 12-month discount on all ScotRail season tickets.

New “flexipasses” will also allow for 12 single journeys for the price of 10 if used within 60 days.

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Ms Hyslop added: “The Scottish government would be open to consider future subsidy to remove peak fares should UK budget allocations to the Scottish government improve in future years.”

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Jim Baxter, ASLEF executive council member, said the union was “really angry and beyond disappointed”.

Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell described it as “very bad news for our environment”.

He added: “It is a hammer blow to the many workers all over Scotland who have to travel every day but have no say on when they need to be at work.

“Behavioural change doesn’t happen overnight and by making the move permanent we could have encouraged more people to change the way they travel.

“This will pile extra costs on to people at a really difficult time. Every pound that’s saved on travel is another pound that can go towards heating, eating or the many other expenses that have piled up for households and families all over Scotland.”

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Can Rachel Reeves clamber out of the black hole?

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Can Rachel Reeves clamber out of the black hole?

👉Listen to Politics At Sam And Anne’s on your podcast app👈

Rachel Reeves gets her moment in Liverpool, but Sam and Anne explain why the podium at Labour conference might be the second biggest thing of her week.

By Friday, the OBR will have put a number on the size of the black hole – the money she’s got to find to fund U-turns on policies such as winter fuel.

You’re not getting that number from anyone from government in Liverpool though.

Elsewhere, Andy Burnham is still in lots of the conversations – and we hear what members of the cabinet are getting about him in their WhatsApps.

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Poland advances strict crypto bill, sparking public backlash

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Poland advances strict crypto bill, sparking public backlash

Poland advances strict crypto bill, sparking public backlash

Poland’s Crypto-Asset Market Act awaits Senate review after Sejm approval, sparking a backlash over licensing, fines and potential prison terms for violations.

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October is ‘ETF month’ as 16 crypto funds await final decision

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October is ‘ETF month’ as 16 crypto funds await final decision

October is ‘ETF month’ as 16 crypto funds await final decision

NovaDius Wealth Management president Nate Geraci said it will be an “enormous next few weeks for spot crypto ETFs” as the SEC is due to decide on 16 applications.

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