ScotRail urged to ditch pricey first class seats with just 2% used last year

ScotRail urged to abandon costly first-class seats as only 2% were used last year

ScotRail is facing calls to do away with expensive first-class seats after it was revealed that just 2 per cent of them were occupied last year, leaving 150,000 luxury seats empty each month. The Scottish Greens obtained data through freedom of information requests, highlighting the stark underutilization of first-class seating despite regular complaints about overcrowding on key services, particularly during a reduced timetable from July to September.

Between April 2023 and April 2024, only 39,000 first-class tickets were purchased out of the available 2 million, equating to a mere 2 per cent utilization rate. The Scottish Greens are now urging the nationalized railway operator to declassify first-class seating and phase out luxury carriages, following the lead of other UK rail companies that have taken similar steps.

Mark Ruskell, the Scottish Greens transport spokesman, emphasized the need for an inclusive railway system, stating that every passenger should have a first-class experience regardless of their ability to pay extra. The data revealed that nearly 153,000 first-class seats are available for purchase each month, yet only a fraction of them are ever sold. Some routes, such as the busy Edinburgh-Glasgow service, have a significant number of first-class seats, with over three-quarters of them remaining empty.

Despite the push to eliminate first-class seating, Transport Scotland has indicated that there are no immediate plans to do so, citing the potential loss of revenue and impact on cross-border services. However, ScotRail’s Commercial Director, Claire Dickie, highlighted that revenue generated from first-class services is reinvested to benefit all customers.

The debate surrounding first-class seats on ScotRail services raises questions about equitable access to transportation and the efficient utilization of resources. As passenger needs and travel patterns continue to evolve, the railway industry faces the challenge of balancing luxury offerings with practical considerations such as seating availability and affordability.

In conclusion, the underutilization of first-class seats on ScotRail trains underscores the importance of designing transportation systems that cater to the diverse needs of passengers while ensuring efficient use of resources. As discussions on enhancing rail services in Scotland continue, finding a balance between premium amenities and equitable access for all travellers remains a key consideration for the future of public transportation.