ScotRail news, interviews and updates on the railway operator
Scotrail is a publicly owned, nationalised rail service operated on by The Scottish Government and overseen by Scottish Rail Holdings Limited.
The train service was returned to public ownership in April 2022 after The Scottish Government ended its ten-year contract with Abellio three years early.
The Dutch state-owned railway company had been awarded the franchise in 2015 to run until 2025, but the deal was cut short following criticism over cancellations and performance.
The contract was worth more than £7 billion, according to the BBC.
Read on for all the latest ScotRail news, interviews and updates.
As reported by The Herald, here is a selection of the latest ScotRail news stories.
Scot Gov declines to reveal cost of Intercity bids process
ScotRail warning ahead of Far North Line improvement works
ScotRail: Glasgow Central trains face disruption amid issue
On-peak travel is generally between 06:00 and 09:15, and 16:30-18:00. Always check with ScotRail before you travel to ensure you have the correct ticket.
John Swinney announced the peak train fares in Scotland will be scrapped permanently from from September 1 2025.
The First Minister confirmed the policy at Holyrood, following a pilot scheme that removed peak-time ScotRail fares but ended in September last year following 'limited success'.
Transport Scotland said the scheme - which was subsidised by the Scottish Government and standardised tickets across the day - 'did not achieve its aims' of persuading more people to car journeys for rail travel.
ScotRail's off-peak tickets can be used after 9.15am on weekdays, and at any time on the weekend and on Scottish bank holidays.
Some evening travel restrictions apply to off-peak tickets depending on the station or route. Always check with ScotRail before you travel to ensure you have the correct ticket
(Image: Archive)
The ban on drinking alcohol on ScotRail services is set to come to an end.
First Minister John Swinney made the announcement when he made his Programme for Government statement to Holyrood.
The document said the ban is 'counter-productive and ineffective'.
A press release from the Scottish Government, which also announced the ending of peak train fares, said: "ScotRail peak rail fares abolished and the general alcohol ban on ScotRail trains removed and replaced with time and location restrictions."
A blanket ban on drinking alcohol on ScotRail trains was introduced during Covid-19 in November 2020 and was extended 'for the foreseeable future' in 2022.
The 24/7 ban prohibited drinking alcohol at any Scottish station or on any ScotRail service.
Transport union RMT said ScotRail's ban cannot be 'adequately enforced', and has called on the train operator to tackle anti-social behaviour.
The alcohol ban on ScotRail services has been around since November 2020 (Image: Newsquest) Gordon Martin, organiser at RMT Scotland, told The Herald: "It is not the job of rail workers to police the anti-social behaviour of passengers, and it is clear the rules around alcohol consumption cannot be adequately enforced.
"What we need is for ScotRail to take real responsibility for dealing with anti-social and violent conduct, and to ensure every assault on staff is treated seriously and prosecuted to the full extent of the law."
Domestic pets, such as dogs, cats, or tortoises, are allowed on ScotRail train services.
According to the operator's website, up to two pets are allowed, but they must be on a lead or in a travel cage.
ScotRail has options for frequent travellers to save money.
Train season tickets offer a 40 per cent saving for those commuting five days a week.
There are weekly, monthly, or annual options for the Season Tickets.
With the removal of peak fares, season tickets were discounted by 20 per cent for a year and that will continue as planned until September.
ScotRail say Flexipass provides a 30 per cent discount, allowing 12 single or six return journeys on the same route within 60 days.
More information on ScotRail's railcards and tickets is available on its website.
ScotRail passengers experiencing delays of 30 minutes or more could be entitled to compensation.
This also applies to missed connections caused by ScotRail train delays.
Claims must be made within 28 days of the delay.
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