Travel chaos in Ayrshire has been eased as ScotRail timetables return to normal from today.
It marks the end of almost two months of reduced services as part of a temporary timetable due to a drivers' dispute over pay.
Services have now reverted back to the May 2022 level of service after 700 journeys were slashed.
Drivers' union ASLEF struck a deal with ScotRail chiefs voting to accept an improved pay offer.
Trains were axed from May 23 when drivers stepped back from working overtime and on rest days.
The rail operator took the decision to cut services in order to provide "certainty and reliability" as it admitted the Covid pandemic led to a shortage of new drivers, with current drivers rejecting a 2.2 per cent pay increase.
It left some Ayrshire stations with no late-night services to and from Glasgow, with the last trains back to Ardrossan and Largs departing before 7pm.
ScotRail say its planning staff have been working "flat out" to get services back up and running.
Bosses have admitted there is a potential for knock-on disruption for services today as a result of the extreme heat on some routes – with potential damage to infrastructure and the possibility of trains being out of position.
The rail operator also said it has been dealing with an increase in Covid-related absences following a surge in infections across the country.
ScotRail service delivery director David Simpson said: “I’d like to thank our customers for their patience through what has been a very challenging few months.
“I’d encourage customers to check their journey before they travel as our timetable returns to May 2022 levels, particularly given the disruption to services over recent days due to the extreme heat.
“We know how much people right across the country rely on rail travel, so we’re pleased to increase the number of services. Reaching such a positive resolution is a big step forward and everyone at ScotRail can now focus our efforts on providing the safest, greenest, and most reliable railway we can.”
You can view the timetable here.
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