South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has commented on the news that the Scottish Government is reintroducing peak time ScotRail fares in September.

Colin Smyth said: “It is astonishing that the Scottish Government has decided to reinstate peak fare pricing on ScotRail services in our region from September.

“The complete failure to provide a sustainable rail service has meant many of those who commute by train have been forced back into cars as they cannot rely on ScotRail services to run when they are supposed to.

“That there has been a 6.8 per cent increase in rail users across Scotland during the period of the peak fare suspension is nothing short of incredible when you consider the impact the SNP’s mismanagement has had on rail services.

“An affordable and reliable rail service can unlock huge environmental and economic benefits, but it is clear that this government is incapable of taking the bold action required to do this as they keep squandering the opportunities of public ownership.

“People across my rural constituency already have to deal with terrible public transport and they are now being faced with paying more for the same awful services.

“The south west really is the forgotten region when it comes to transport infrastructure and we are always far behind the central belt in the minds of decision makers.”