HALF-PRICE train travel will be available in Scotland next month, ScotRail has announced.

The operators will slash 50 per cent off all weekday off-peak services between any two stations in the country in a bid to boost COVID-hit passenger numbers.

Discounted tickets can be booked between May 9 and 15. The outward journey must take place between May 9 and 31, returning by June 30.

The offer had been due to take place in January but was postponed due to the rise in Omicron cases.

ScotRail’s Kids for a Quid will be able to be used in conjunction with this deal.

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Under the scheme, an off-peak day return between Galashiels and Edinburgh will cost £5.85, according to ScotRail.

Lesley Kane, ScotRail commercial director, said: “The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way people travel, and it is an absolute priority for ScotRail to do everything we can to attract customers to Scotland’s Railway.”

Chris Gibb, chief executive officer at Scottish Rail Holdings, added: “Passengers up and down the country have been impacted by the pandemic, not least in the cost of living crisis we are currently facing.

“We want people to come back to rail but know that we need to make it affordable to be a truly attractive alternative to using the car.”

ScotRail’s announcement comes in the same week that the Great British Rail Sale was launched.

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Tickets went on sale on Tuesday (April 19) with discounted fares available on some journeys from April 25 to May 27.

It is the first time that operators across the rail industry have come together to offer savings of up to 50 per cent, according to transport secretary Grant Shapps.

However, ScotRail, which is run by a company owned by the Scottish Government, was not involved in that sale.

Borders MP John Lamont described the Great British Rail Sale as a “great initiative”.

The Conservative representative for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk added: “Not only are there some great offers for Borderers, but it will help encourage people to come and visit our area too.”