ScotRail '˜cannot vouch' for free fares travel funding

Humza Yousaf has came under criticism in recent months from MSPs. Picture; John Devlin

MSPs were angered after the train operator said it had yet to agree to contribute to the £3 million scheme to offer a free week for passengers with monthly and annual passes.

They accused Transport Minister Humza Yousaf of making the announcement last month after calculating the plan “on the back of a fag packet”.

ScotRail managing director Phil Verster said it involved the train operator contributing £1.8m from a fund for rail improvements.

However, he told the rural economy and connectivity committee that ScotRail had only been given a few weeks’ notice before the announcement, and was still considering it. The contribution would come from a fund generated by fines for ScotRail failing quality checks on trains and stations under the Service Quality Incentive Regime (Squire).

Improvements that it is due to pay for include toilets at Tweedbank Station at the southern end of the Borders Railway.

Rhoda Grant, a Labour member of the committee, said: “It is increasingly clear Humza Yousaf’s announcement was calculated on the back of a fag packet, and even that might be too kind a description.

“The fact that ScotRail still don’t know how they will pay for the SNP’s plan is astonishing. This is yet another example of too much spin and not enough substance from Humza Yousaf.”

Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Mike Rumbles said: “Passengers were told this free week came courtesy of the generosity of the Scottish Government.

“Instead, we find out today it is being funded by a raid on the fund for rail improvements.

“This is a scandalous and fraudulent move by the Scottish Government and passengers deserve so much better.”

He said it was “completely inappropriate” for the Transport Minister to ask for the money and it should up to Abellio ScotRail how to spend it, not the Scottish Government.

Mr Verster replied: “We have a very constructive relationship with Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government. A very open relationship. Now while we may set priorities of what we think would be best for customers, if Transport Scotland engages with us and makes alternative suggestions, of course we consider that. “I don’t think there’s anything inappropriate about that. I think what is important is only one thing and that is customers in the end.”

The Scottish Government said it remained “absolutely committed” to the offer.

A spokesman said: “A free week’s travel will be offered this year and further discounts for daily, weekly and leisure travellers. “The ScotRail contract permits Squire funding to be directed to initiatives that improve customer service.”