More than £330,000 spent on rail replacement taxis since ScotRail nationalisation
The numbers were revealed by the Scottish Liberal Democrats
The Scottish Liberal Democrats are calling on Holyrood to make better investments in ScotRail, after the party revealed how much money has been spent on rail replacement taxis since the service was nationalised.
Figures from the party show more than £330,000 has been spent getting people to their destinations after train services were cancelled, since ScotRail was taken into government hands in April 2022.
The most expensive journey was between Wick and Inverness, when an 8 seater taxi travelled between the two stations, calling at all the stops in between, for a fare of £798.30.
Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Jill Reilly said: “This is money that should be available for updating trains, carriages and stations, giving hardworking commuters and rail users the quality service they need. Instead rail users will fear bank-busting fare hikes in January.
£798.30 spent on a journey between Wick and Inverness
“The trialled abolition of peak fares will never achieve its goals if ministers simply give with one hand and take with the other.”
ScotRail also highlighted a journey between Inverness and Forsinard, via Wick, and then on to Thurso, which cost £549.94.
The highest fare since March 2023 though was from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William and back, taking passengers in both directions for a cost of £666.36.
Ms Reilly added: ““Ministers repeatedly stressed that nationalising ScotRail would improve accountability.
Calls for improved investment
“If that’s the case then ministers need to explain why so much money is being wasted.
“The Scottish Government must work with ScotRail to cut down their reliance on expensive and inefficient replacement transport services and deliver the rail service that taxpayers and travellers pay for.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats want to see fares cut, new options for two/three-day a week season tickets and for the government to work with councils to explore new lines, particularly in areas where public transport links are poor.”
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.