ScotRail ends temporary timetable introduced due to coronavirus

ScotRail has restored its full timetable after a temporary reduction in services over the winter period due to coronavirus.

The rail operator implemented a reduced timetable in December because of high numbers of staff absent.

It was introduced on January 4, but extended into February, amidst concerns over the impact of the Covid-19 Omicron variant.

More than 450 ScotRail staff were absent at the peak of the variant in winter, the rail operator has indicated.

On Monday, ScotRail confirmed an end to its temporary timetable, with a return to around 2000 services per day.

It is despite around 150 members of staff remaining absent due to the virus.

We’ve brought back our pre-Christmas timetable to replace the temporary schedule we brought in because we had so many drivers & other staff affected by coronavirus. From today, around 2,000 services will operate each day, so more people are able to travel.
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) February 14, 2022

Passengers have been reminded by the rail operator to continue to follow the basic mitigation measures in the country, including the wearing of face coverings during journeys and maintaining good hygiene.

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, explained the rail operator still faces “significant challenges”.

But, he said that they are confident of providing a reliable service for customers.

“The introduction of some temporary changes to our timetable was important for our customers, providing a level of certainty during a challenging time,” said Simpson.

“Those changes have allowed us to keep people moving across the country, and our staff worked flat out to run a safe and reliable railway in really difficult and continually changing circumstances.

“We still face significant challenges, with 150 staff absent, but with things improving, and restrictions across Scotland being relaxed, we are now able to safely reintroduce our full timetable of around 2000 services a day.

“The pandemic is not over yet and we will still face some disruption due to staff absence, but we are confident of providing a reliable service for our customers.”