New figures published today show that punctuality on Scotland’s railway has improved.
Across Scotland, 83.4% of ScotRail trains met the rail industry standard public performance measure, arriving at their destination within 4 minutes and 59 seconds of their timetabled arrival time, having called at all scheduled stations.
This means the moving annual average – the rolling performance over the previous 12 months – stands at 87.3%.
The figures show ScotRail’s punctuality is at its best since September.
Several weeks of industrial action by the trade union RMT and training for the introduction of the new timetable on Sunday last week had an impact on punctuality.
The ScotRail Alliance – a partnership between Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail – has faced a challenging few months, but is committed to delivering the best possible service for its customers.
The introduction of InterCity high-speed trains and brand-new Hitachi class 385 electric trains, as well as major infrastructure improvements like the electrification of the Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa route, have enabled the delivery of the enhanced timetable. More greener, faster, longer electric services are operating on Scotland’s railway than ever before.
Faster Journeys with high speed trains
A new fleet of has seen am impact to Scotrail services with:
- Increase of 100 services
- Providing more than 2,400 weekday passenger trains
- More than 65,000 extra seats
ScotRail Alliance Managing Director Alex Hynes said: “We know it has been a challenging time for Scotland’s railway, but it is encouraging to see that our punctuality has improved in recent weeks.
“With the successful introduction of the new timetable, everyone across the ScotRail Alliance is working flat out to keep improving the service for our customers.
“With the first phase of improvements in place, our new trains and infrastructure enhancements, we are working together to deliver the punctuality and quality of service that our customers deserve.”
Changes
The new timetable brings a number of changes for customers travelling from stations across the north of Scotland.
There will be more bums on seats as a new hourly route will be introduced between Montrose and Aberdeen that will call at Laurencekirk, Stonehaven and Portlethen. That means more than 5,000 additional seats will be present on the route each day.
Commuters will be able to enjoy journey times of around 40 minutes between Elgin and Inverness as nine additional services are to be welcomed on the rail line. With over 1,500 additional seats the Moray to Highlands train service will provide 60% more capacity to the route each day.
