It’s out with the old and in with the new, as ScotRail gives front-line staff their first uniform makeover since 2015.
Staff have been calling for a more up to date and stylish uniform, but also one that is more practical for them to wear.
So, new trousers, polo shirts, dress shirts, ties, and softshell jackets will be given to the almost 4,000 staff who wear company uniforms while carrying out their duties.
This includes drivers, conductors, ticket examiners and train presentation.
When they start in their role, each staff member is entitled to a full allocation of three pairs of trousers, seven shirts or polos, two ties, two jackets or blazers.
The train presentation crew will be issued puncture proof ballistic trousers, polo shirts, a utility vest and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The train operator is moving away from the classic suit-based uniform which included shirt, tie, waistcoat and blazer, to a more modern and contemporary look which will include a bespoke smart polo shirt and softshell jacket.
Conductors, for example, operate the opening and closing of train doors and when it’s raining, heavy waterproof coats are too bulky for comfort and traditional suit jackets become soaked. The new softshell jackets are showerproof and much more practical.
There’s also been a subtle change to the colour of the uniforms, which are being supplied by Glasgow-based manufacturer CKL. The traditional ScotRail Blue has been replaced by navy blue.
Tarsem Kainth, CKL Operations Director, said:
“We are proud to be chosen as preferred supplier and to be working with ScotRail to fulfil their complete uniform requirements.”
Joanne Miller, ScotRail Uniform Project Manager, said:
“Wearing a smart uniform has been part of being a railway worker since the days of the old British Rail.
“But, sometimes the clothes haven’t been as practical and up to date as staff would have liked.
“We’ve really listened to what our colleagues have had to say and we are confident the new look will fit the bill perfectly as we continue to modernise our railway for the future.”