Pedal for less at Inverness

Friday 21 August 2009

ScotRail has introduced a “Ticket to Ride” for visitors to get out and about in the Inverness area.

The train operator has teamed up with Inverness cycle hire business Ticket to Ride to offer its rail customers discounted rates for hiring bicycles.

And staff from Ticket to Ride will even bring pre-hired bikes to greet customers from their trains at Inverness, Nairn and Forres stations at no extra charge so they can start exploring straight away.

Customers arriving at other selected stations - including Dingwall, Elgin and Aviemore – can also have their bikes brought to the station, with reduced delivery rates applying for ScotRail customers.

The offer builds on similar partnerships with other cycle hire companies – most recently with Basecamp Bikes in Blair Atholl.

Desmond Bradley, Transport Integration Manager at ScotRail, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with yet another cycle hire company for the benefit of our customers.  We are especially pleased that Ticket to Ride will deliver bikes to customers at certain stations for no additional charge.”

He added: “Offering discounted cycle hire to rail customers really reinforces the message that you don't need a car to enjoy the magnificent Highlands scenery.”

Lindsay MacKinnon of Ticket to Ride, said: "We're really pleased to be collaborating with ScotRail to help cyclists discover the Highlands. Our unique service makes routes like the Great Glen Way and Speyside Way much easier. Not only can we deliver at bikes at the start, we can collect them at the other end with reduced rates for rail customers."

A 10% discount is available on full-day hire with a valid rail ticket, and Freedom of Scotland Travelpass holders are entitled to 15% off.

Media enquiries
John Yellowlees, ScotRail: 0141 335 4787 / john.yellowlees@firstgroup.com   
www.scotrail.co.uk

Notes to Editors

• The Freedom of Scotland Travelpass is a Flexible Rover Ticket that covers travel on trains, ferries and a selection of coach services throughout Scotland – see www.scotrail.co.uk for full details.
• To hire a bicycle, call 07902 242 301, giving at least four hours’ notice – go to www.tickettoridehighlands.co.uk for further information on cycle hire.
• To get preferential rates, customers should quote ‘ScotRail Offer’ when making their booking.
• Discounted rates are subject to availability.
• The offer is subject to the terms and conditions on ScotRail’s website, www.scotrail.co.uk