UK: ScotRail is to reduce the length of some trains from January 18, reflecting the significant reduction in demand as a result of coronavirus travel restrictions as well as staffing shortages caused by the pandemic.
Further changes may be implemented following a more thorough review of demand, with a reduction in the number of services operating expected to be implemented from early February.
ScotRail said ridership was down by almost 90% compared to last year, and the changes would ensure that trains operate when they are needed most ‘while delivering better value for the taxpayer’. The changes would be ‘constantly’ reviewed, particularly if there is any change to passenger numbers.
‘Throughout the pandemic we have made multiple changes to services, ensuring that customers can travel safely and rely on ScotRail to get them to where they need to be’, said Operations Director David Simpson on January 15.
‘Like any business during the pandemic, we need to continue to make sensible financial decisions, and reducing the number of carriages means a reduction in costs for the taxpayer, while continuing to deliver a safe and reliable rail service.’
