The ScotRail Alliance is set to offer free travel services to jobseekers in a bid to encourage people back into work.
The rail operating alliance's new initiative will provide jobseekers two free return journeys per month in exchange for attending an interview, as well as a free ScotRail travel ticket for the first month of a person’s return to work.
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ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes said: “We’re building the best railway Scotland has ever had, and part of that is helping to grow the economy and create a fairer country by setting people on the fast-track to work.
“For people out of work, the cost of travelling to an interview can often be a barrier to returning to work.
“By removing that barrier and providing help with the cost, we hope to be able to support people into work and grow Scotland’s economy.”
Jobseekers are also set to benefit from the UK Government's new Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card initiative, which provides a 50% discount on selected rail tickets to unemployed people by claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit.
UK Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “The ScotRail franchise is about much more than delivering a rail service; it acts as an enabler for growth by helping people access education, employment and leisure opportunities across the country.
“This offer to jobseekers does exactly that, by making attending interviews and starting work more affordable.”
Customers must possess proof of Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit in order to receive the benefits of the scheme.
