ScotRail disruption as trains cancelled due to crew shortages

A number of ScotRail services have been cancelled following a weekend of disruption.

Around 80 services have been cancelled due a shortage of train crew with passengers urged to check before travelling.

ScotRail said the disruption was caused by fewer train drivers than normal taking on overtime or rest day working as part as a pay dispute with Aslef continues.

Services between Glasgow Central to Edinburgh, Dalmuir to Motherwell, Dundee to Arbroath and Airdrie to Balloch are among those impacted on Monday.

Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF’s organiser in Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government should have seen these issues coming a mile down the tracks. It’s clear no lessons have been learned from the past. They have left Scotland’s railway workforce understaffed and overstretched.

“Goodwill from Scotland’s train drivers can only take you so far but you can’t run a safe and efficient railway seven days a week if you don’t employ appropriate numbers of staff and provide them with decent pay, terms and conditions.

“The Scottish Government is the sole shareholder of ScotRail yet have completely failed to address the driver shortage.

“This is a crisis entirely of their own making, and ultimately, passengers will be the ones who suffer.”

Transport Scotland said they “acknowledge” the desire of rail unions to negotiate a fair settlement for their members.

Adding: “ScotRail, as a public body and the employer, has responsibility and the ability to negotiate within the limits of public sector pay metrics. However, as rail unions have been made aware, any offer beyond these requires Scottish Government approval at senior level following the appropriate process.

“We would encourage rail unions to continue meaningful dialogue with ScotRail, so that a mutually agreeable outcome can be reached as soon as possible.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, commented: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused to our customers. We know how frustrating it is when cancellations occur.

“Customers should check their journey on our website and mobile app before they travel and should also bear in mind that services will be busier than usual.

“We want to resolve the pay dispute with trade unions, and we remain fully committed to further discussions.”