Free train travel boost for people with a concession card

A pilot scheme will run until the end of March for people in Scotland.

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) provides access to many public services across Scotland and gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel across the country. Through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, it also provides free or reduced fares on train, Subway and ferry journeys.

However, many people with a sight impairment may not be aware of a new pilot scheme running until March 31, 2026 which enables a person accompanying a card holder to travel for free on trains throughout Scotland. Prior to the trial, the companion paid a reduced fare.

To be eligible for free companion rail travel, the cardholder must be visually impaired and have the ‘eye +1’ symbol on the bottom right corner of the Saltire/NEC card. The pilot applies to all rail operators servicing stations in Scotland and provides free travel as far as Carlisle and Berwick Upon Tweed.

Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart launched the pilot scheme for companions of blind and partially sighted people in April.

The pilot scheme aims to make train travel more affordable and accessible for blind and partially sighted passengers by introducing a consistent, nationwide policy for free companion rail travel, aligning with existing concessionary bus and ferry travel across Scotland.

At the time of pilot’s launch, Ms Stewart said: “Making rail travel more accessible and affordable for people with sight loss is an important step in helping them access communities, education, and employment.”

Peak rail fares in Scotland were scrapped in September what First Minister John Swinney has described as a “historic moment”.

The Scottish Government announced the move earlier this year after previously refusing to do so following a year-long pilot, citing a lack of uptake.

The decision means commuters will pay less to travel in the mornings or evenings, with the price of a return ticket between Glasgow and Edinburgh dropping from £32.60 during peak times to £16.80.

Mr Swinney said the change would help those struggling with the soaring cost of living.

“The SNP Government is relentlessly focused on delivering on the priorities of the people of Scotland, and this week we are hitting the ground running by delivering cheaper train fares,” he said.“Abolishing peak fares is an historic moment for Scotland’s railway, offering the chance for a step-change in how people travel which can deliver significant progress in our fight against climate change.

“This is also a crucial way for us to provide support for people during the cost-of-living crisis and to put money back into people’s pockets at a time when many are really struggling.”

The UK Government, he said, has “nothing to offer” while his ministers are “taking determined action to support people during tough times”.

ScotRail managing director Joanne Maguire said travel on Scotland’s railways will now be “simpler, more flexible and provide better value for money”.

She added: “This groundbreaking change to fares provides us with a significant opportunity to drive rail journeys, getting hundreds of thousands of people out of their cars and on to rail.”