Tuesday October 13th 2026
ScotRail train at Eskbank Station
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
More than 48 million journeys were made on ScotRail services during spring and summer 2026, with passenger numbers rising by seven per cent compared with the same period last year.
A total of 48,419,573 journeys were recorded between April 1 and September 30, an increase of more than 3.1 million on the previous year.
The latest figures mark continued growth since ScotRail returned to public ownership in April 2022, with passenger journeys during the same six-month period rising by 55 per cent over four years.
Between April and September 2022, ScotRail recorded 31.2 million journeys, compared with more than 48.4 million this year.
Independent figures published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) also show ScotRail outperforming other large train operators across Britain in passenger growth.
Between April and June 2026, ScotRail recorded 23.5 million journeys, eight per cent more than during the same period last year. This was the highest year-on-year percentage increase among large train operating companies, compared with a two per cent rise across Great Britain as a whole.
The latest figures cover the first full spring and summer season since peak fares were permanently removed from ScotRail services in September 2025. The move has made fares simpler and offered savings on many journeys, with fares also frozen until March 2027.
Passenger numbers were boosted by a busy summer of major events, including the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Edinburgh Festivals and concerts by Calvin Harris, Luke Combs and Bon Jovi, alongside TRNSMT and Summer Sessions.
ScotRail introduced additional services and seats to help people travel to and from events, providing more than 1,400 extra carriages during the Commonwealth Games alone.
The week from July 26 to August 1 saw more than 2.1 million journeys, making it the busiest week since ScotRail returned to public ownership.
July also proved particularly busy, with 8,423,512 journeys recorded across the month – almost 900,000 more than in July 2025.
Promotional fares have also encouraged people to travel by train for leisure trips.
ScotRail’s £60 Family Pass, which allows up to two adults and four children to travel across the network for seven consecutive days, was available during the Easter holidays and has returned for the October school break.
More than 800,000 journeys were made over the Easter weekend alone, a four per cent increase on the previous year.
David Ross, ScotRail’s chief operating officer, said the milestone demonstrated the continued growth in demand for rail travel.
He said: “More than 48 million journeys in just six months is a fantastic milestone and shows the strength of the growth we are seeing across ScotRail. It’s a testament to the hard work of our staff who are delivering a great service for customers.
“From the Commonwealth Games and Edinburgh Festivals to some of the biggest concerts and events in the country, huge numbers of people continue to choose ScotRail to get them to special occasions.
“But this growth is about more than major events. Removing peak fares makes travelling by train simpler and better value, while offers like our Family Pass are giving customers even more reasons to leave the car at home and enjoy days out by rail.
“The independent ORR figures underline that momentum, with ScotRail recording stronger growth than other similar sized operators across Britain.
“We’ll remain focussed on delivering a safe, reliable, and great value service that gives people the confidence to keep choosing ScotRail.”
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