ScotRail announces Sunday timetable just in time for Platinum Jubilee weekend

ScotRail has announced an emergency Sunday timetable just in time for the Platinum Jubilee weekend.

People across the country are enjoying a long bank holiday in celebration of the Queen’s 70th year on the throne.

But the newly nationalised rail service has meant hundreds of trains remain cancelled over the network causing disruption for those wanting to travel during the festivities.

Last Sunday, ScotRail had failed to implement a temporary timetable amid a bitter pay dispute with train drivers resulting in services being delayed and cancelled last minute.

Heading to the beach this bank holiday weekend?@BTPWestScot and @AyrshirePolice will be on-board @ScotRail to keep you safe as we all celebrate the Jubilee.#AyrshireSaferShores pic.twitter.com/pjnwFguFXJ
— South Ayrshire Council (@southayrshire) June 2, 2022

Union Aslef rejected an improved pay offer of 4.2% on Thursday.

The Scottish Government-owned operator previously said it was working on an emergency timetable and on Thursday it announced a new schedule to come into force on Sunday, June 5.

More than half of the trains between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk High have been cancelled in the new timetable.

Around half of the Glasgow to Troon services this Sunday, which could be the hottest day of 2022 so far, have been axed.

There will be extra patrols on Ayrshire's beaches. — There will be extra patrols on Ayrshire’s beaches. SNS Group

It comes as police prepare for thousands of revellers to arrive on Ayrshire’s beaches over what is expected to be a bank holiday of sunny weather.

The temporary Sunday timetables can be found on the ScotRail website.

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 Aself 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.”