Full ScotRail timetable to be reintroduced on July 20 after drivers union accept pay deal

ScotRail has announced rail services will return to normal next week after a long running pay dispute with drivers came to an end.

Hundreds of rail services will be reinstated across the country on Wednesday, bringing the number of services back to early May 2022 levels.

It comes after members of drivers’ union Aslef voted to accept a new pay offer, bringing an end to a temporary timetable which has been in place since May 23.

During the dispute, several drivers declined to work overtime and on rest days, leading ScotRail to introduce a temporary timetable, cutting around 700 services.

With progress made in pay negotiations, the union put the pay offer to members with a recommendation to accept.

This recommendation led to members voting to accept, and ScotRail was notified of the results on Monday.

The dispute meant thousands of music and football fans attending events such as Calvin Harris and Scotland international games at Hampden were forced to make the choice of leaving the event early or organising alternative transport.

But the new timetable means service will return to pre-dispute levels ahead of the Edinburgh Festival, which the rail operator says will be a “huge boost” for customers.

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We are delighted to be able to reintroduce the timetable, adding almost 700 services each day, and delivering the service that our customers expect and deserve.

“It has been a very challenging few months, impacting those across the country who rely on rail travel and on our staff too.

“It is a big step forward to reach such a positive resolution and continue in our efforts to provide the safest, greenest, and most reliable railway we can.

“We thank customers for their patience through this period.”