Scotland’s Railway is continuing to provide a critical service for key workers with the number of trains running on time across the network at an all-time high for this time of year.
New figures show that 94.2 per cent of trains met the rail industry standard public performance measure (PPM) in period 11 (10 January – 6 February).
This means ScotRail’s Moving Annual Average (MAA), which measures punctuality across a whole year, increased to 92.46 per cent, the highest it has been since the summer of 2013. It’s just 0.04 per cent below the target set for annual punctuality of 92.5%.
Recent changes to the ScotRail timetable, introduced at the start of February, which saw the number of scheduled services reduced to 65 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, while delivering 72 per cent of seats, are working well.
ScotRail consulted NHS boards across Scotland to ensure shift patterns for key workers continue to be supported as far as possible. The train operator will continue to monitor passenger numbers which are currently around 90 per cent below normal and make scheduling decisions based on demand.
At a time when businesses throughout the country are working under financial constraints, ScotRail is no different, and making changes in a safe and controlled manner is part of that process. Trains are running when they are needed most and delivering better value for the taxpayer.
David Simpson, ScotRail Operations Director, said:
“All of our colleagues across Scotland’s Railway are working hard to make sure we record these exceptional and sustained levels of punctuality.
“We know how much key workers are depending on us to get them to and from work as they carry out their jobs under the most extreme and, often, heart-breaking conditions.
“People who have an essential reason to travel have to be able to rely on ScotRail and our focus is on continuing to deliver our train services to those who need them most.”