Under the updated scheme:
- Eligible users will now receive one-third off the new off-peak return and single rail fares.
- This replaces the current 50% discount on the more expensive Anytime rail fares.
- Although the discount rate is lower, it applies to a significantly reduced fare, continuing to offer substantial savings.
- Capped fares will remain in place for rural rail journeys that begin and end within designated rural zones.
Important Notes:
- These changes apply only to rail services.
- Current peak-time travel restrictions will remain in place
- The 50% concessionary discount introduced on 1 April 2025 for ferry and Subway travel remains unchanged.
About the Scheme:
The Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme is funded by 12 local authorities across the west of Scotland. It provides discounted travel for eligible users on:
- Rail services
- SPT Subway
- Ferry services for island and peninsula residents
The scheme supports over 5 million journeys annually, at a typical cost of £4.5 million to local authorities. However, rising demand and increasing operator fares have placed significant financial pressure on the scheme. Without reform, it faced the risk of closure or major cutbacks, with only one to two years of funding reserves remaining.
This latest change to concessionary rail fares follows a review of the SCTS earlier this year which saw the introduction in April 2025 of a 50% concession fare on the Anytime Return Standard Fare, capped for £2.50 for a single and £4.00 return in designated rural zones. The half fare structure is still applicable to Subway and Ferry services, and the rural fare cap between stations within designated rural zones also remains unaffected by the proposed changes.
The revised fare structure and the re-imbursement arrangements with ScotRail will be subject to review following the introduction of off-peak fares to assess its impact on concession use.