Peak-time rail fares are to be scrapped in a trial starting next month.

The Scottish Government has confirmed the dates of the pilot that will see off-peak tickets able to be used all day.

The trial period will be from October 2 until March 29 next year.

Fiona Hyslop, Transport Minister said it is hoped the move will encourage more people to use the trains.

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She said: “This peak fare removal pilot is aimed at achieving this by making ticketing simpler with off-peak fares valid all day.

“This is an exciting and unique opportunity to encourage more people to choose a safe, reliable, and greener form of public transport.”

The trial will see big savings across the country, with fares on the main route between Edinburgh and Glasgow coming down from £28.90 to £14.90 and Glasgow to Stirling down from £16.10 to £9.60.

Rail bosses hope reducing costs will increase passenger numbers.

Alex Hynes, Scotland’s Railway Managing Director, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity for Scotland’s Railway to encourage more people across the country to choose rail travel instead of using the car.

“Everyone at ScotRail is working hard to make sure that this six-month trial will be a success, and we will be monitoring our services and stations daily to see where we have any significant increases in customer journeys.

“We know that cost and simplicity is a critical factor for people when they choose how to travel, and we are looking forward to delivering this fantastic fare reduction for our customers.”

The pilot will be reviewed before any commitment is made to making it a long term change.