ScotRail's temporary reduced timetable extended into February

ScotRail has extended its temporary reduced schedule into February after a ‘very strong’ performance since its implementation.

The rail operator says it will keep the timetable, which was originally due to end on Friday, under review and make changes “based on the demand of customers”.

Since the scaled-back schedule was introduced on January 4, due to a rapid rise in Covid cases and spread of the Omicron variant, there has been a low level of cancellations with punctuality in the mid-90% range.

This is despite crew sickness levels, with those who have either tested positive or deemed a close contact, remaining higher than what would normally be expected.

On Tuesday there were 46 drivers off sick for Covid-related causes.

However, ScotRail says it has continued to provide a “dependable and reliable” service while providing customers certainty over which services are running.

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “ScotRail’s current temporary timetable will remain in place beyond the original planned end-date of January 28.

“We will be keeping it under review and will make changes based on the demand from customers and the continuing impact on services of staff who are absent due to testing positive for coronavirus or who are self-isolating.

“And customers should check their journeys which we will keep updated through our website and social media channels.”

The scaled back timetable, which mainly impacts upon services in the central belt, reduced the number of the 2000 daily services by around 8%.