Humza Yousaf insists public transport remains 'affordable' as ScotRail fares set for 9% increase

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Humza Yousaf has insisted he is doing what he can to ensure public transport remains affordable after it was announced ScotRail fares would rise by nine per cent next year.The First Minister pointed to his government's previous decision to scrap peak time rail fares on a trial bias and the introduction of free bus travel for those under-22.It comes after opposition parties and trade unions condemned the news that all fares on ScotRail -which operates the vast majority of rail services in Scotland - will rise by 8.7 per cent from April.The ASLEF union, which represents train drivers, accused the government of an "an outrageous slap in the face to Scotland's travelling public".Speaking after FMQs today, the Record asked the SNP leader whether he viewed public transport as an affordable option for most."Public transport in Scotland is affordable," he said. "And we're looking to make it even more affordable, that's why we have the pilot to scrap rail peak fares."Any fare increase is unwelcome - but I hope you understand, after 13-and-a-half years of Westminster austerity, we have significant pressures on our budget and we have to respond accordingly."The budget outlined a further extension to that pilot in terms of peak fares, but also our commitment to concessionary bus travel."Asked if he was worried a rise in fares would discourage people from using public transport, Yousaf added: "We'll continue to do what we can to try and make it affordable"That's why the removal of peak fares has been extended."It comes after the Record revealed how bosses at Strathclyde Passenger Transport blasted SNP ministers over cuts to its budget - which could delay an upgrade to the Glasgow Subway.Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF Scottish regional