Train passengers in Scotland are about to be hit with the biggest fare rise in almost two decades. First ScotRail is expected to impose an above inflation 6% fare hike across its routes from next January.

The increase — the maximum allowed under the First ScotRail franchise agreement — would be the biggest since 1991 and has provoked criticism from passenger campaign groups.

The move will spell further misery for customers already struggling to cope with rising food and fuel prices.

The price of a cheap day return from Glasgow to Edinburgh would break the £10 barrier for the first time, rising from £9.80 to £10.40. A standard open return from Edinburgh to Aberdeen would rise from around £63 to £66 while the price of a journey from Glasgow to Inverness will increase from around £49 to £52.

Under the franchise agreement, First ScotRail executives are allowed to increase fares by a maximum of the retail price index (RPI), plus 1%. The RPI, which is set by the Bank of England, is currently 5%. Last year, First ScotRail announced an average rise of 4.3%. Over the past decade, rail fares have risen by more than 28%.

“If the government policy is to get people to move towards public transport, how does that align itself with these increases in rail fares?” said Bill Ure, a member of Passengers’ Views Scotland, which advises the Scottish government.

The January increase will apply to all routes except those within the Strathclyde region. A similar fare hike on journeys taken within the area is expected next May.

Earlier this year, ministers extended First ScotRail’s seven-year franchise by a further three years without any consultation, provoking anger among opposition parties and unions.

Last year, First ScotRail made £12m profit despite criticism from the National Passenger Survey for “unfair and unjustified rises” imposed on the network.

A First ScotRail spokesman said: “The franchise agreement permits First ScotRail to increase regulated fares by RPI plus 1%.”

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