ScotRail disruption warning during drivers’ pay dispute

ScotRail services are facing disruption across Scotland due to an ongoing pay dispute.

The operator said the train drivers’ union Aslef had informed it on Friday it would recommend a ballot of its members for industrial action.

In the meantime, the union said some train drivers would no longer work extra Sunday shifts and overtime, which has had an impact on services.

On Sunday some services, including those from Helensburgh Central, Glasgow Central and Milngavie, will run hourly and will finish earlier.

Aslef said the Scottish government had failed to address a driver shortage.

Transport Scotland said it was encouraging rail unions to continue meaningful dialogue.

Services in the most impacted areas will run on an hourly provision as below:

Helensburgh Central – Edinburgh: Services will depart Helensburgh approximately 55 minutes past the hour. The last service to Dalmuir will be at 22:55.

Glasgow Central – Lanark: The Sunday hourly service between Lanark and Glasgow Central High Level will run as normal. Glasgow Central High Level to Motherwell only services will be suspended.

Balloch – Motherwell: Services will depart Balloch at approximately eight minutes past the hour and the last service will be the 22:09. Services will depart Motherwell at approximately 41 minutes past the hour, ending at 22:41.

Milngavie – Larkhall: Services will depart Milngavie at 11 minutes past the hour until 22:11. A later service will run to Motherwell via Hamilton Central. Services will depart Larkhall at 20 minutes past the hour with the last service to Milngavie at 22:20. An additional service to Garscadden will run at 23:20.

Services will not call at the following stations:

• Airbles
• Barnhill
• Alexandra Parade
• Duke Street

There will also be disruption for customers travelling on other routes, with approximately 75% of services expected to run.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said the operator was sorry for the inconvenience caused to customers.

“We hope that these service alterations will give customers some certainty and reliability when planning their journeys,” he said.

“We want to resolve the pay dispute matter with trade unions and will remain fully committed to further discussions.”

Aslef’s Scotland organiser Kevin Lindsay said the Scottish government should have seen the issues coming “a mile down the tracks”.

“It’s clear no lessons have been learned from the past. They have left Scotland’s railway workforce understaffed and overstretched.

“Goodwill from Scotland’s train drivers can only take you so far but you can’t run a safe and efficient railway seven days a week if you don’t employ appropriate numbers of staff and provide them with decent pay, terms and conditions.”

Customers are advised to check their journey on the ScotRail website and mobile app before they travel.