West Lothian Council Rail Concession Scheme ends

Changes to the service

The Rail Concession Scheme offered by West Lothian Council provided discounted rail fares to NEC cardholders travelling from West Lothian stations on ScotRail train services has been removed.

Access to half or flat fare concessions will no longer be available to concessionary cardholders for rail services to and from West Lothian. The final day for eligible concessions will be Sunday 30 April 2023.

Alternative option

A Senior Railcard or Disabled Persons Railcard can be purchased from National Rail.

All railcards save you at least 1/3 off your rail travel on most rail services across the UK. Further information on available Railcards and costs can be found at ScotRail - Railcards (opens new window) or Railcard (opens new window).

Club 50 is ScotRail's exclusive club for people aged 50 and over. Membership costs £15 per person for one year. As a member you'll get a year-round 20% discount on Off-Peak and Advance tickets purchased online (10% discount when purchased at a staffed station or via Telesales). You'll benefit from exclusive flat fare ticket offers - now three times a year - and other member offers. Full information can be found at ScotRail Club 50 (opens new window).

Additionally, the Traveline Scotland website Traveline Scotland (opens new window) can help plan bus journeys which remain free of charge for concessionary cardholders.

Background

The council have significant and sustained budget pressures caused by increasing costs and a growing population, which is combined with Scottish Government grant funding not being sufficient to meet the increased costs faced by the council.

This results in a budget gap.

Over the next five years the council estimate that they will have to make savings of approximately £39.4 million with £15.5 million of savings required in 2023/24.

The council is legally required to balance its budget - therefore the council must make savings.

A number of budget saving measures have been approved which will allow the council to balance its budget. Savings measures overall will be implemented over the next five years with some measures being implemented from April 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Concessionary Rail Scheme?

The Concessionary Rail Scheme in West Lothian provided discounted rail fares to specific destinations. This was a non-statutory service funded by West Lothian Council.

Why was this removed?

A number of budget saving measures were proposed to allow the council to meet its obligations to balance its budget. The council is legally required to balance its budget - therefore the council must make savings.

The Rail Concessions Scheme is a non-statutory service and funding from the council has been removed.

When is the last date I can use the Rail Concession Scheme in West Lothian?

30th April 2023.

How does this affect the National (Scotland) Concessionary Travel for Blind Persons?

The West Lothian Council Rail Concession scheme ending does not affect the access to the national scheme for the cardholder, however where companions for holders of the C+1 card received a discount on the West Lothian Council scheme, this is no longer applicable and companions will be charged the full fare in line with the national scheme.