ScotRail set to cut timetable as more than 100 staff self-isolate

ScotRail is considering timetable cuts after more than 100 staff members were forced to self-isolate this week under Covid rules.

The rail firm suffered more than 150 train cancellations over the weekend due to a shortage of workers and the company has axed almost 100 journeys this week so far.

As of Tuesday, ScotRail had 113 staff members absent for Covid-related reasons, 37 of which are train drivers.

The company said this has had an impact on services across the central belt causing large scale disruption over the past few days.

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “Although the number of cancellations has reduced in recent days, we are planning ahead in the event of a further spike in cases.

“As part of our contingency planning, we are looking at various timetable options in order to provide customers with some level of certainty should the number of Covid-related absences rise significantly.

THREAD: ScotRail continues to be affected by the rapid spread of coronavirus and the Omicron variant, which is causing cancellation of services, mainly across central Scotland. Customers should continue to check their journeys before travelling on our app or website. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/ELwg2XLQos
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) December 11, 2021

“Some level of disruption can be expected over the coming weeks, so we advising customers to check their journeys before they turn up at a station to travel.

“We’re sorry to our customers who are being inconvenienced as a result of an increase in the number of our staff self-isolating due to Covid.

“We are working flat out to run a safe and reliable railway in difficult circumstances.”