Train passengers warned of 'very limited service' as ScotRail gears up for strikes

ScotRail has warned passengers that only a “very limited” service will be running throughout Scotland on three strike days next week amid “widespread disruption” across the UK.

The rail operator will be running just five routes on Tuesday June 21, Thursday June 23 and Saturday June 25 as workers strike over a pay dispute with Network Rail and some Department of Transport rail operating companies.

The industrial action by the RMT union will also affect signalling boxes – essential infrastructure without which the network cannot run.

The skeleton services will start at 7.30am and end at 6.30pm and passengers have been urged to only travel on these routes “if they really need to”.

The strike actions are also expected to bring disruption on continued issues to the following day’s operations.

1/3 Because of the strikes on 21, 23 & 25 June by RMT members of Network Rail, we will only be able to run a skeleton service on 5 routes in Scotland. These limited services will start at 07:30 and end at 18:30. pic.twitter.com/bnm4mY760M
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) June 19, 2022

ScotRail service delivery director David Simpson said: “It is very unfortunate to see such widespread disruption across the whole of the Great Britain rail network and we know this will be frustrating for ScotRail customers.

“Regrettably, this strike action by RMT members of Network Rail means that we will not be able to operate the vast majority of our services during the period of strike action.

“We’re reminding customers to expect significant disruption to services this week, including on the days between and following strike action which will impact customers travelling to events across the country.

“On the five routes where we are able to operate a very limited service on strike days, we’re urging customers to only travel if they really need to, and to seek alternative means of transport where possible.”