ScotRail is set to finally axe its temporary timetable and restore train services following months of disruptions for passengers. The operator has announced that a full timetable will be reinstated starting from Monday, October 7, after reaching a pay deal with train drivers. The temporary timetable was implemented in July due to a shortage of staff caused by an overtime ban introduced by the ASLEF union during wage negotiations.
The decision to restore more services comes just a day after the return of peak-time fares, resulting in higher costs for passengers. The fare for a return ticket between Glasgow and Edinburgh now exceeds £30 if purchased before 9.30 am. Mark Ilderton, ScotRail’s service delivery director, acknowledged the challenges faced by passengers in recent months, expressing gratitude for their patience. He stated that the focus now is on providing a safe, reliable, and environmentally-friendly service for customers.
Although the restored timetable will still operate fewer trains compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2020, ScotRail, which came back under Scottish Government control in 2022, is actively recruiting 160 new drivers annually to reduce dependency on overtime work. Trade unions and environmental groups have launched a petition calling for the permanent abolition of peak fare pricing, emphasising the importance of affordable and accessible public transport in addressing climate change and air pollution.
STUC deputy general secretary Dave Moxham criticised the reintroduction of peak fares, describing it as unfair to working people who rely on public transport. He urged the Scottish government to align with its climate commitments by scrapping peak fares permanently. Imogen Dow, head of campaigns at Friends of the Earth Scotland, emphasised the need to shift towards sustainable transport to reduce carbon emissions, highlighting the pivotal role of affordable and reliable public transport in combating climate change.
The move to restore the full timetable by ScotRail is a positive step towards improving services for passengers, with a focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction. The ongoing efforts to recruit new drivers and address fare structures demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the public transport network in Scotland.