ScotRail to finally axe temporary timetable and restore train services after hiking fares

The operator announced a full timetable would be restored from Monday after a pay deal was agreed with train drivers.

ScotRail has confirmed it will finally axe its temporary timetable and restore train services after months of misery for passengers.

The operator announced a full timetable would be restored from Monday, October 7, after a pay deal was agreed with train drivers.

A lack of staff forced ScotRail to slash services in July as members of the ASLEF union introduced an overtime ban while wage negotiations were ongoing.

The announcement of more services comes just one day after the return of peak-time fares, which means the cost of a return ticket between Glasgow and Edinburgh is now more than £30 if bought before 9.30am.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, admitted it had been a "difficult few months" for passengers.

"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," he said.

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

He added: "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."

The restored timetable will still operate fewer trains than before the covid pandemic in 2020.

But ScotRail - which was brought back under Scottish Government control in 2022 - insisted it was recruiting 160 new drivers every year to reduce its reliance on overtime working.

It comes as trade unions and environmental groups have launched a petition demanding the permanent abolition of peak fare pricing.

STUC deputy general secretary Dave Moxham said: "Reintroducing peak fares is a slap in the face for working people across Scotland who depend on affordable public transport to get to work.

"This decision blatantly contradicts the government’s own commitments to reducing carbon emissions and creating a fairer society.

"If we are serious about tackling the climate crisis and supporting workers, the Scottish government must end this outdated and unfair fare structure."

He added that scrapping peak fares permanently was essential for a just and sustainable future.

Imogen Dow, Friends of the Earth Scotland's head of campaigns said: "Transport is Scotland’s biggest source of climate pollution so if ministers are serious about getting our climate commitments back on track that means changing the ways we travel.

“We urgently need to move as many journeys as possible from cars to sustainable transport.

"Making sure our public transport is affordable, accessible and reliable is essential to addressing climate change as well as tackling toxic air pollution from traffic."

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