#scotrail

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #ScotRail has thanked its customers as passenger numbers at #Glasgow Central station returned to near-normal levels following the full restoration of its timetable. On March 25th, around 120,000 journeys were recorded, demonstrating a swift recovery despite ongoing work on Gordon Street and Union Street entrances due to a fire. Passenger numbers had steadily increased, rising from an average of 55,000 during low-level services (March 11-17) to 94,000 after a partial reopening of high-level platforms (March 18-24). ScotRail's Chief Operating Officer, David Ross, expressed pleasure at the strong return of customers, highlighting rail's vital role in supporting the local economy and thanking passengers for their patience. The company is now focused on maintaining reliable service.
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-thanks-customers-120000-return-glasgow-central

🚄🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #ScotRail has begun seeking finance for a new suburban fleet of at least 69 trains, with options for up to 37 more, ahead of their planned introduction in the early 2030s. The operator will enter a rolling stock lease once the #trains are in service. A separate process to appoint a manufacturer was launched last November.

The trains are expected to serve routes including East #Kilbride, Fife, the Borders and Glasgow’s inner suburban lines. Planned features include air-conditioning, improved reliability, step-free access, and more space for bicycles and wheelchairs.

The #Scottish Government has approved the procurement, which is being aligned with electrification works by Network Rail. Chief Operating Officer David Ross said the investment would make rail travel more reliable, comfortable and attractive than car use.
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-launches-finance-procurement-phase-new-trains-0

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #ScotRail is to introduce a £10 minimum fare for passengers who deliberately board without buying a ticket, in a move to curb fare evasion estimated to cost Scotland’s #Railway more than £11 million a year. The charge, which will often exceed the standard fare for short trips, will apply after an education period from April to July 2026. There is no extra fee where the ticket price is above £10, but passengers must still buy before travel to access discounts. Exemptions include closed or absent ticket offices and machines, national entitlement card holders, #disabled customers unable to use ticket machines, and those paying cash who obtain a promise to pay. Since returning to public ownership in 2022, ScotRail says ticketless #travel has fallen from 8.8 to 3.7 per cent, with revenue protection generating around £2 million annually.
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-tackle-ticketless-travel-new-minimum-fare

#ScotRail fares will be frozen for the next 12 months as part of efforts to ease the cost of living, First Minister John Swinney has announced. The freeze applies to all tickets, including season tickets and Flexipass. It follows the permanent removal of peak fares across ScotRail services, which reduced some prices by up to 48%.

Speaking at #Edinburgh Waverley, Mr Swinney said the move aims to keep more money in people’s pockets as households continue to face rising food and energy bills.

#Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the freeze would help maintain rail’s affordability and appeal. She said #Scotland became the only part of the #UK to scrap peak fares last year, describing it as the biggest rail fares reform in decades.
https://www.gov.scot/news/scotrail-fares-frozen-for-12-months/

The #Scottish #Government has accepted in full 11 recommendations aimed at strengthening safety and tackling antisocial behaviour on the rail network.

A report by the Rail Enforcement Powers Working Group, involving operators, trade unions and police, examined how existing powers are used and where they could be improved. It considered fixed penalty notices, repeat offending, protection for rail staff, youth justice and railway byelaws.

Measures already under way include replacing ScotRail’s blanket #alcohol ban with time-limited restrictions and progressing legislation to increase antisocial behaviour fines and widen the use of fixed penalty notices. Work will also look at consistent enforcement and closer partnership between #ScotRail, councils and police.

Longer-term options, including enhanced protections for rail workers and possible legislative changes, will now be assessed by officials.
https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/new-report-sets-out-actions-to-strengthen-safety-and-tackle-antisocial-behaviour-on-scotland-s-railway/