Christmas is coming early this year for Scottish students, thanks to a massive 50 per cent discount on tickets from Scotland’s Railway.
University students will be able to take advantage of half price travel on any off-peak ScotRail service until 24 December.
And, the train operator is getting into the festive spirit even more by simplifying the process of buying the tickets.
All a student needs to do is turn up at a staffed ticket office with their ID, jump on board and head home to their loved ones.
The offer will be a huge boost to students who are worried about getting back to their families under the current coronavirus travel restrictions.
They need to record a negative Covid-19 test before they travel, but test appointments and the time taken to produce results mean students will find it almost impossible to book specific train services.
The off-peak half price offer will be a flexible, open-return ticket valid for one month after purchase, which will allow most students to return to their studies in January after another negative coronavirus test. The discount will be available on both off-peak day return and off-peak return tickets.
Students will be able to purchase the discounted tickets up until 24 December, which would mean they would have until 23 January to use the return portion of the journey.
Lesley Kane, ScotRail Commercial Director, said:
“Students are going through a hard enough time just now trying to keep up with their studies while worrying about catching coronavirus and balancing their finances.
“We think this half price deal on tickets is the best gift we can give them before Christmas and we’re sure it will be very popular amongst students who want to get home to see loved ones at this special family time of the year.
“We are confident ScotRail will be able to carry all passengers safely over the festive period by observing the five rules for safer travel, including wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distancing.”