MORE than 3400 morning rush hour trains were cancelled last year, figures have revealed.
The data, obtained through freedom of information requests by the Scottish LibDems, showed that an average of 10 ScotRail trains were cancelled every day in 2023.
Last year, 2136 trains were fully cancelled, while 1336 were partly cut, according to the data.
A breakdown of the figures showed that 1089 services were cancelled between 6am and 7am, while 1167 occurred in the following hour.
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Between 8am and 9am, 1216 trains were either fully or partially cancelled.
ScotRail has said 97% of its services operated without cancellation last year.
The figures also showed that the 08.45am train from Inverurie to Aberdeen was the service experiencing the most cancellations, with a total of 29 last year.
Meanwhile, the 08:41am train from Edinburgh to Helensburgh saw the highest number of part cancellations, with 21.
The figures come amid a current temporary timetable due to an ongoing train drivers’ dispute.
ScotRail is reliant on rest day working and overtime, however, many drivers have refused to accept the additional shifts because of the dispute.
Mark Ilderton, service delivery director at ScotRail, said: “Disruption and cancellations happen for a variety of reasons, many outwith ScotRail’s control, like infrastructure issues.
“In 2023, we planned to operate over 700,000 services throughout the year, with 97% of services running as planned.
“However, we know that trains running on time is one of the most important factors for people travelling across the country, and we continue to work hard to improve those numbers even further.
“ScotRail will continue to keep a firm focus on performance and deliver the best possible service to our customers.”
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said: “While any disruption to passengers is regrettable, the historic figures quoted by the Lib Dems fail to mention that ScotRail cancellations in 2023/2024 averaged just 2.3% of all services, with the reason often weather or Network Rail works. That’s fewer cancellations than immediately before public ownership.
“Since ScotRail moved into public sector, staffing has increased by 400 and passenger numbers are up by 75% from 46.7 million in 2021/22 to around 82 million in 2023/24. This makes ScotRail one of the fastest growing operators, with one of the best passenger satisfaction rates.
“Any industrial action will undoubtedly have negative impacts on passengers and employees. It is also likely to mean continued timetable changes and more short-term cancellations. We want to provide a long term, secure future for Scotland’s railway to encourage more people to travel by rail.
“The issues at hand need to be settled but there can be no increase on the current ScotRail pay offer.”
