ScotRail is canceling hundreds of services due to driver shortages

ScotRail is rolling out a reduced timetable with more than a quarter of services canceled due to the ongoing impact of the driver dispute.

Services across the country have been significantly affected by crew shortages as drivers refuse to work overtime or rest as part of the dispute.

The train operator said overtime was historically necessary to maintain a regular timetable of more than 2,250 services each day.

To ensure a “more reliable” service, a temporary reduced timetable will be in place from Wednesday 10 July.

As part of the temporary measures, only around 1,600 services will operate from Monday to Saturday, with customers being advised of a change in some of the first or last trains and the number of services provided during the morning and evening rush hours.

Separate plans are expected to be announced to support customers attending major events, including The Open at Royal Troon, in the coming weeks.

The train operator has been in talks with rail unions ASLEF, RMT, TSSA and Unite over pay for several weeks. A formal wage offer was made on 5 July but was rejected by all four unions.

ASLEF has confirmed it will recommend a vote on industrial action.

Mark Ilderton, director of service delivery at ScotRail, said: “We are very sorry for the disruption to customers. We know customers want certainty and reliability, which is why we’re introducing a temporary timetable instead of delayed cancellations.

“We operate services that the vast majority of customers use and continue to use all available trains in our fleet so that customers can continue to travel.

“We want to resolve the wage dispute with the union and remain fully committed to further discussions.

“We ask customers to check their journey on our website or mobile app as train times will change.”

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We recognize the wish of the rail unions to negotiate a fair settlement for their members.

“As a public body and employer, ScotRail has the responsibility and ability to negotiate within public sector pay metrics. However, as the rail unions have been informed, any offer beyond these requirements requires approval by the Scottish Government at a higher level following an appropriate process.

“We would encourage the rail unions to continue a meaningful dialogue with ScotRail so that a mutually acceptable outcome is reached as soon as possible.”

Kevin Lindsay, Scotland’s ASLEF organizer, said: “Rather than timetable cuts due to economic vandalism which will affect towns across Scotland and rail passengers in Scotland, ScotRail and the Scottish Government need to get serious about pay and make a swift recovery. around the negotiation table with a serious and credible offer.

“The Scottish Government is currently taking a fantastic approach to industrial relations on our railways. We met First Minister John Swinney on 28th May and told him that the offer made to our members was completely unacceptable and unfortunately ScotRail have been parroting the same offer ever since.

“The Scottish Government and ScotRail must quickly understand that investing in our railways involves investing in its most valuable resource, our employees. We urge them to come back to us with an offer that is serious and that treats our members fairly and with the respect they deserve.”