Scotland’s rail operator is to review ticket prices in Fife after claims that passengers are the victims of a great train robbery.
Abellio is understood to be examining the cost of rail travel for commuters in the kingdom following claims from leading councillors that Fifers are being ripped off.
Fife Council’s depute leader Lesley Laird said that the review was justified.
“I’m pleased Abellio have agreed to look into our call for a ‘fare deal’ for Fife rail commuters,” she said.
“Based on the information we have, it appears that Fifers are paying over the odds for their daily rail commute and we need to understand why.
“We’re still keen to meet with Abellio, Transport Scotland and the Minister for Transport to discuss the rail fare structure for Fife.”
December’s closure of the Forth Road Bridge, which meant commuters had to find alternative ways to travel to and from Edinburgh, brought an increased focus on rail travel in Fife.
As drivers flocked to the region’s platforms instead of enduring the delays on the roads, the local authority launched a review in to how ticket fares are determined.
Councillors have claimed that a journey of 44.5 miles from Cupar to Edinburgh costs £23.10 for a day return, while a journey from Bridge of Allan of 40 miles to Edinburgh costs £14.80.
Similarly, a trip from Markinch to Edinburgh is £19.60 for a 33-mile journey, but Stirling to Edinburgh is further away at 36 miles, but cheaper to travel at £14.80.
Councillor Pat Callaghan, the local authority’s executive spokesperson for environment and transportation, said: “The discrepancy in fares needs urgent attention.
“Last Friday, we raised our concerns with Sestran South East Scotland Transport Partnership and they agreed to give support to our initiative.”
However, while Fife Council appears adamant that Abellio will review its pricing policy, ScotRail, the franchise operated by the Dutch firm, was giving little away.
A spokeswoman for ScotRail said: “We have been in touch with Fife Council and have asked them to provide more information.”
Picture by David Wardle