The return to peak rail fares is a cause for concern for business leaders in Glasgow.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said the decision to end the pilot scheme where peak fares were scrapped will hamper efforts to get more people to visit the city centre as a destination.

Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Government Transport Minister, said the trial scheme will not be continued stating it did not meet its objectives in encouraging enough people to use public transport.

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Fares will return to the normal peak fares at busier times and off-peak at quieter times and at weekends.

Businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors in Glasgow city centre are seeing fewer people come through their doors this year and the cost of transport has been cited in research as one reason.

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said while there were efforts to improve the city centre to ensure it is attractive to visitors, there are factors that actively discourage people.

He said: “Any increase in travel costs to or from Glasgow City Centre will undoubtedly affect its appeal as a destination. Footfall across the city is down by 400,000 people compared to this time last year, which urgently needs to be addressed. 

“Footfall is influenced by a range of factors and our work within the city centre taskforce is beginning to tackle some of the most pressing issues with empty units being converted to new (often residential) uses, pavement and road surfaces being renewed and a focus on attracting fresh investment into the most prominent derelict sites.

“Research into the city centre's night-time economy visitors highlighted that 48% of respondents are seeking cheaper train fares, indicating a strong demand for affordable and sustainable travel options into our city centre.

“We remain concerned about the potential impact on footfall across Glasgow."