Scottish Greens to call for an end to first class travel on ScotRail services

Ministers have been urged to back Scottish Green calls for an end to first class rail on ScotRail services.

The call will be made as part of a Scottish Government debate on trains, with Scottish Greens transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell, tabling an amendment calling for the further expansion of new rail stations and removal of first class ticketing on commuter services.

An investigation by Scottish Green researchers discovered that, in 2023-24, only 2% of first class seats allocated were being used, meaning the vast majority sat empty – while passengers in standard class were routinely left to stand.

Mr Ruskell said: “Our railways are for all of us, but we’ve all had the experience of having to stand in a packed carriage when the first class one is completely empty.

“Anyone who has got on a busy commuter train from Glasgow to Edinburgh during the festivals in August knows how uncomfortable this can be, especially in the heat which can lead to people becoming unwell.

“If 98% of first class seats are not even being used, then what is the point in them?

“It makes no sense to divide up our trains that way, especially when we are scrapping peak fares and trying to get more people on to them.

“Every journey should be a first class experience regardless of how much we are paying for it.

“Rail should be about the need to travel, rather than the ability to pay for what are often very expensive tickets.

“If we are to build a people’s railway for the 21st century, then it should be welcoming, inclusive and accessible to all.

“I hope all parties will get behind my call. First class rail is a dated idea.

“It is at odds with a ScotRail that is run for everyone and it means less seats and busier carriages for the rest of us.

“More rail companies are taking steps to reduce first class services. It’s time that ScotRail did the same.”

ScotRail said there is currently no plans to remove First Class fares. However, it said it has already declassified its First Class carriages on most commuter routes.

This includes services between Dunblane and Edinburgh Waverley, Alloa and Glasgow Queen Street, Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central via Shotts, , Fife, and the Borders.

This means those services have First Class seats but no First Class fares, meaning any customer is free to sit there.

Claire Dickie, ScotRail commercial director, said: “ScotRail offers First Class on board selected services connecting Scotland’s cities, and the revenue generated from this service is reinvested to deliver wider benefits for all customers.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Tourism is a key market for the Scottish economy which has bounced back strongly post Covid. First class travel, particularly on long distance routes, provides an alternative product for those seeking it and is an important revenue stream for Scotrail, allowing them to reinvest in our railways.

“The Scottish Government has reduced the cost of rail travel for the majority of ScotRail passengers by removing peak fares for good. This will encourage more people to choose to travel by train, which is a more reliable, sustainable and greener transport option.

“Any permanent removal of first class seating would need to take into account not only the loss of revenue on ScotRail services, but also the contribution received from cross-border first class services through a reciprocal industry arrangement. Where a service is particularly busy, ScotRail onboard staff can currently declassify 1st class to free up more seating.”