ScotRail announces full rail timetable to be restored within days after deal struck with train drivers

ScotRail’s full timetable will be restored within days after a pay deal was struck with train drivers.

A quarter of services were axed in July as the rail operator sought to provide a “reliable” service in the face of crew shortages.

The train operator had been in pay discussions with rail trade unions ASLEF, RMT, TSSA, and Unite, for several weeks.

A formal pay offer was made on July 5, however, this was rejected by all four trade unions.

The dispute centred around pay and conditions, with the rail operator stating overtime was needed to deliver the normal timetable which features more than 2,250 daily services.

However, fewer drivers than normal were taking on overtime or rest day working as part of the ongoing pay dispute.

Last week, members of the ASLEF union voted in favour of accepting a new pay day, with an uplift of 4.5% dated back to April 1.

The ballot, which ran from September 2 until September 25, had a 77.71% turnout out with 74.89% voting in favour of the deal.

Members of the Unite union previously accepted the deal in September.

The full timetable will now be restored from Monday, October 7.

It follows the return of peak-time fares on Monday, after the Scottish Government concluded the costs of an all-day off-peak trial did not justify continuing the scheme – thought to have cost around £40m.

ScotRail said it would launch new ticket offers to customers following the return of peak tickets, including Flexipass deals and a discount on season tickets.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We are delighted to confirm that our full timetable will return on Monday. We have been working round the clock to deliver this in a very short space of time because we know how important a full service is to our customers.

“It’s been a difficult few months for our customers and staff, and we thank everybody for their patience.

“With a pay deal agreed and the full timetable back in place, everyone at ScotRail is focused on delivering a safe, reliable, and green service for our customers.”

More information is available at the ScotRail website here.