ScotRail is introducing a temporary timetable for Sundays to provide greater certainty and reliability for customers. This follows the introduction of temporary timetables for Monday – Friday and Saturday.
We have brought in the temporary change as a result of a significant number of drivers declining to make themselves available for overtime or rest day working following a dispute about pay.
Like many train operators across Britain, ScotRail has relied on drivers working overtime or on their rest days. In 2019, we committed to employing more drivers to phase out the reliance on this practice, however, the pandemic meant that driver training was significantly delayed.
The changes to the timetables follow an announcement by the drivers’ union ASLEF that its Executive Committee has rejected our improved pay offer made last week. It did not even recommend allowing its members a say on the offer via a referendum.
Customers will be able to see the new temporary timetable for Sunday on our website and app from Saturday morning, as customer information systems are currently updating.
All temporary timetables can be viewed on the ScotRail website.
Last week, we added late-night services to timetables for Fridays and Saturdays, and this will continue this weekend.
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:
“We’re sorry to customers for the disruption on Sundays over recent weeks so this temporary timetable will provide greater certainty and reliability for customers.
“We’re incredibly disappointed and frustrated that ASLEF bosses have rejected this improved pay offer. It’s astonishing that they will not even put this offer to their members.
“Our substantially improved pay offer reflects the cost-of-living challenges faced by families across the country, while balancing it against the need to provide value for the taxpayer.
“We have offered to meet ASLEF but, in the meantime, would urge them to reconsider this offer in the interest of their members and the future of the railway in Scotland.
“We’re asking customers to check their journey on our website, mobile app, and through our social media channels as train times will have changed.”