ScotRail services will reinstate their full timetable tomorrow following temporary reductions which have been caused by nationwide driver shortages.
The national rail operator says that they would have around 130 extra qualified drivers by now if training wasn't slowed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of this, they were reliant on drivers working overtime and on rest days.
Drivers, however, began refusing overtime as their union ASLEF engaged in a pay dispute with ScotRail amid inflation and the skyrocketing cost of living.
Just last week the union accepted a proposal from ScotRail and the Scottish Government, meaning that services can return to normal.
This will be welcome news for many after travellers were hit with disruption last month due to the RMT strike action, which saw services in Scotland slow to a near-holt as well as reduced timetables.
However there may still be some disruption in the coming weeks and months, so to help those looking to use ScotRail services, here is what we know about rail transport for the near future.
How many more services will there be?
As of tomorrow, ScotRail will look to return to their full timetable which will see nearly 700 services reintroduced across the country.
This will include all of the late services that were cut during the temporary timetable, which will offer those attending events such as concerts more reliable rail transport home.
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."
Will there be more strikes?
ASLEF accepted ScotRail's offer and will not call for driver strikes as they have done in England. There will, however, be RMT action later this month and in August.
Strike action is set to take place on 27 July, and on August 18 and 20. While ScotRail workers are not included in the RMT action, Network Rail signallers who work in Scotland are and they are vital for safe rail operations.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "The rail industry and the government need to understand that this dispute will not simply vanish.
"They need to get serious about providing an offer on pay which helps deal with the cost-of-living crisis, job security for our members and provides good conditions at work. Recent proposals from Network Rail fell well short on pay and on safety around maintenance work."
Will ScotRail operate during the strike action?
ScotRail hopes to operate during the strike action, however it will likely be a heavily reduced service as was the case during the June RMT strike action.
If the level of disruption is equal to that of the June strikes, it would mean that services would only run on five lines across Scotland with services operating between 7.30am and 6.30pm.
The national rail provider is currently assessing what this strike action will mean for services and will let customers know as soon as possible.
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