ScotRail is asking customers to follow Scottish Government guidelines on physical distancing and play their part in saving lives, as new measures are introduced across the network.
The train operator has been running a key worker timetable since lockdown, aimed at helping NHS staff, care workers, and others carry out their life saving work across the country.
Customers are reminded they should only take the train if travel is essential. Everyone else should follow government guidance to stay home and save lives.
The Rail Recovery Task Force, announced in the Scottish Parliament by Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, and Connectivity, continues to plan for any potential future increase in services whenever lockdown measures are eased.
The task force has briefed a wide range of stakeholders, including trade union colleagues. Prudent contingency planning has prepared an option for modest increases, but careful monitoring of passenger numbers this week means on balance it is sensible to maintain current service levels.
This is in line with current Scottish Government advice that rail travel is for essential purposes only.
Restrictions during lockdown have changed the way of life throughout the country and travelling on Scotland’s Railway is no different, with customers being urged to think about the safety of themselves and staff.
The message from ScotRail to any customers who do travel is clear: if you think it’s not safe to board a train, don’t do it and wait for another service.
New measures have been introduced across Scotland’s Railway to keep staff and customers safe.
The major stations will have floor markings and other signs to outline a safe distance of two metres, while some station facilities such as waiting rooms will be closed, as ScotRail follows the successful model implemented by supermarkets and other businesses in recent weeks.
Platform markings indicating two metres and guidance at ticket vending machines will be supported by station announcements and messages on customer information screens, to help essential travellers during their journey.
Customers who do travel with ScotRail are being urged to use face covering at stations and on trains.
Customers can expect an increase in the time it takes to buy a ticket at a station and board a train, and there may be occasions over the coming months when boarding their normal train may not be possible in busier times. Buying tickets in advance through the ScotRail app or website will reduce waiting time for customers.
Everyone across Scotland’s Railway is working flat out to continue delivering a vital service for the country.
David Simpson, ScotRail Operations Director, said:
“Scotland’s Railway has played a critical role during one of the biggest challenges this country has ever faced, and we need our customers to help keep people safe.
“The message remains the same: people should only travel when it is essential to do so and we need everyone to take personal responsibility – if you think it’s not safe to board a train, don’t do it and wait for another service.
“We have signs in place to help with physical distancing, announcements being made at stations and on trains, and our staff will be on hand with advice and support.
“But there are limits to what ScotRail can do to manage this. It is essential that everyone works with us to help people stay safe.”