This week's Programme for Government saw the announcement of three transport policies which Graham Simpson MSP has been campaigning for. John Swinney announced the scrapping of peak rail fares, ending the alcohol ban on ScotRail trains and work to remove bus passes for under 22s who perpetrate acts of anti-social behaviour.
The announcement follows a Scottish Conservative winning vote last September that called on the Scottish Government to reverse its plan to reintroduce peak fares on ScotRail. Graham Simpson MSP has also led calls to reverse the alcohol ban on ScotRail trains which he has described as "draconian" and "out of step and out of touch". In December 2023, the Conservative and Unionist MSP also led a Members' Business debate calling for under 22s who perpetrate antisocial behaviour buses to have their entitlement to free travel removed.
Graham Simpson MSP said: "I'm glad to see that the First Minister has finally caught up with my thinking on key transport policies.
"Last year, the Parliament voted against the SNP Government's decision to reinstate peak fares on ScotRail, which was a backwards decision that penalised hard-working Scots battling with a global cost-of-living crisis.
"I have been in discussions with the Scottish Government about their outdated alcohol ban on ScotRail trains for some time. It has taken far too long for the SNP to make a decision but I am pleased to see that they have finally removed the ban.
"Fiona Hyslop agreed to examine how anti-social behaviour on buses by those using the under-22 free bus travel scheme can be tackled in December 2023. I look forward to seeing how the Scottish Government responds to this problem but they have had plenty of time to consider it."
