ScotRail returns to pre-dispute timetable for first time after agreeing pay deal with Aslef

Trains on Scotland’s nationalised rail network have returned to levels seen earlier in the year following the conclusion of a pay dispute with drivers’ union Aslef.

Passengers on ScotRail services have been encouraged to check departures as routes reset to May 2022 timetables after a new wage increase was accepted by members.

Talks to end a bitter row concluded earlier this month when a 5% uplift was agreed.

During the dispute, several drivers declined to work overtime and on rest days, leading ScotRail to introduce a temporary timetable, cutting around 700 services.

Those are all scheduled to be reintroduced from Wednesday morning, however bosses have warned of “knock-on effects” caused by the extreme heat seen at the start of the week.

They added some services may be subject to either delays or speed restrictions.

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director said: “I’d encourage customers to check their journey before they travel as our timetable returns to May 2022 levels, particularly given the disruption to services over recent days due to the extreme heat.

“We know how much people right across the country rely on rail travel, so we’re pleased to increase the number of services.”

At the height of the row, thousands of music and football fans across the country were forced into decisions over whether to miss the conclusion of events or risk being left stranded with no way of returning home.

The returning timetable means services will be restored ahead of the Edinburgh Festival, which the rail operator says will be a “huge boost” for customers.

However, there are still fewer services running than in the pre-Covid period.