By Steve Bargeton, political editor, and Graham Huband

TRANSPORT MINISTER Tavish Scott has demanded that rail operator First ScotRail explain as a matter or urgency massive price hikes of almost a third on some routes.

There was anger among commuters from Fife and Tayside when the firm announced a new ticketing system last month.

The changes—which affect travellers in the Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen areas— mean commuters on some routes will no longer be able to use saver or supersaver tickets before 9.15am.

A new, more expensive, standard open return ticket has been introduced to cover the early morning and a value advance fare added, offering reduced prices if bought before 6pm the day before travel.

Dundee East MSP Shona Robison previously accused First ScotRail of treating commuters like “cash cows” and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Bruce Crawford said the operator should be reducing fares, not increasing them.

MSPs of all parties have been lobbying ministers, pointing out that putting up rail fares does nothing to encourage more people to take the train and ease traffic congestion.

Yesterday the transport minister publicly expressed his disquiet.

A spokesman for the Scottish Executive said Mr Scott would be seeking “urgent clarification” from First ScotRail about the change.

“This is not what they told us. They assured us regular commuters would not lose out and they could book ahead,” she said.

“They told us the only people affected would be the people who turned up on the day or bought a ticket on the train.”

But First ScotRail said the change has been brought in to cut rush-hour congestion.

A statement on the company’s website said, “By introducing a morning restriction we can encourage passengers whose travel plans are flexible to move to less busy trains and so help ease congestion on the busiest trains.”

It added, “This approach is widely used by other rail and transport providers.”

The operator said there has been no increase for commuters using season tickets, as their price is unchanged.

The price of 10-journey flexipasses is also unaffected and the cost of some saver fares has been cut by up to 15%, although the new restriction means they can not be used before 9.15am from Monday to Friday.

A First ScotRail spokesman said, “The overhaul of long-distance fares is aimed at promoting off-peak travel and easing crowding on busy routes.

“The changes will provide a better service by offering a greater choice and availability of fares, and by improving the way in which we manage our current seating capacity.”

The spokesman said, “We have a responsibility to manage our existing capacity and want to offer better-value discounted tickets that will not affect passenger comfort at the busiest times.

“It is an approach widely used by other transport providers, including other rail companies.

“We are aware that some early-morning trains are not reservable at present.

“That is something that is fairly easy and quick to resolve.

“We are monitoring demand and capacity to assess the business need.

“It should be noted, however, that early-morning trains to Edinburgh are likely to be heavily loaded, and the availability of value advance is likely to be limited as and when the services become reservable.

“In the meantime, our flexipasses are a value-for-money alternative, valid for one month, and not requiring a reservation.”

Price increases failed to derail train users as they set off in the early morning from Dundee yesterday.

Regular traveller Abdulla Almas, of Dundee, said he would not be put off using the trains by a hike in prices.

However, he said there are discrepancies in fares that should be ironed out.

He said, “I regularly travel through to Glasgow and through to Perth and pay £116 for a monthly season ticket.

“I don’t think that is too bad as the trains are reliable and run whatever the weather.”

Kevin Blake from Dundee is due to travel to Edinburgh today and was weighing up his options after being offered an off-peak return ticket at £20.30 for his journey.

He said, “I very rarely use the train but when you think about the cost of petrol there and back and add in the parking charges then it doesn’t seem too bad.”

* A national passenger survey has found customer satisfaction with First ScotRail’s punctuality and reliability had risen to 84%, above the national average.

The study was carried out by Passenger Focus, a consumer group which represents rail travellers.

It found overall satisfaction with First ScotRail was 86%, compared to a national average of 80%.

In addition, the rail firm scored highly on security on trains, with a satisfaction rating of 80%.

First ScotRail managing director Mary Dickinson said, “I am delighted we have achieved our highest-ever results in punctuality and reliability.

“They are testament to the work we are carrying out on train refurbishments and reliability improvements, as well as the dedication of our engineers to ensure our trains are well maintained.”

East coast train operator GNER achieved its best passenger satisfaction score.

It had a 90% overall satisfaction rating—a 4% improvement on last year.

Improvements in the upkeep and repair of trains and the way delays were dealt with were highlighted in the report.

GNER chief operating officer Jonathan Metcalfe said, “This is excellent news and very heartening to get such positive feedback from passengers.

“The £30 million rebuild of our Mallard trains has clearly been appreciated, along with other improvements.”

However, he said car parking remains a problem and railway stations are struggling to meet demand.