There's been "no strong evidence" that the scrapping of peak train fares has encouraged more people to swap car for train, according to a new study.
Ministers remain supportive of the policy, which was recently extended, however growth in travel figures since January is more "muted" than expected.
The "vast majority" of rail users were already rail users prior to the introduction of the scheme, albeit there was initial signs of shifts in behaviour from car to train and bus to train.
The study says: “While the initial impact of the pilot has been found to be somewhat positive, the impact on rail journeys since the start [of] 2024 is significantly less pronounced and there is currently no strong evidence of its effectiveness in achieving mode shift, other than helping with cost of living issues for existing users.”
The Scottish Government's Transport Secretary has admitted there has not been a "massive increase" since peak fares were scrapped, though said she hoped more people are attracted to using trains.
Fiona Hyslop said: "The removal of this cost is helping many families and individuals cope with the ongoing cost of living crisis. That financial benefit really matters but I am also keen for cheaper fares being available at all times of the day.
“I am keen that it will encourage more people to use the train generally. We have listened to the many positive benefits the removal of peak fares has had so far, and to continue we need more people to choose to travel by train — not least to cut transport emissions.
“We are supportive of the policy and would like to see it extended but taking a very objective view of the figures we have to date it is not as convincing as I would have like it to have been.”
Ms Hyslop also confirmed she was "actively" considering the issue of allowing passengers to drink alcohol on trains, though gave no timescale on any decision being made.