ScotRail Cancels Over 17,000 Trains in Just One Year

ScotRail cancelled more than 17,000 trains in 2024/2025, raising serious concerns about service reliability across Scotland’s rail network, according to newly released figures. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

A Freedom of Information request from the Scottish Liberal Democrats revealed that 17,491 ScotRail services were scrapped in the past year. The data also showed 306,120 trains arrived more than a minute late, about 45% of all services.

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Additionally, around 71,691 trains were delayed by over five minutes, impacting 10% of the network. These delays continue to frustrate passengers who pay high fares but experience unpredictable service.

ScotRail Delays Trigger Political Backlash

Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Jamie Greene called on the Scottish Government to restore confidence in rail travel. He argued that public transport must offer punctuality and dependability to attract more users.

Greene criticized the government’s management of the railway since taking control three years ago. He emphasized that without on-time service, efforts to reduce car dependency will fail.

On Saturday, a fallen tree near Edinburgh Waverley caused additional disruption. Services to Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Fife were delayed until at least 5 p.m.

Government and ScotRail Defend Performance

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail’s service delivery director, stated that the operator runs over 2,100 daily services, with nine out of ten meeting punctuality targets. He said that most cancellations result from factors outside ScotRail’s control.

He stressed that just under 3% of 650,000 yearly services were affected. According to Transport Focus, over 90% of customers remain satisfied with the service provided.

A Scottish Government spokesperson added that cancellations made up only 2.1% of total services. Officials highlighted over $15 billion in infrastructure investment since 2007, with $1.5 billion more planned this year.

They also confirmed that ScotRail peak fares will be permanently removed starting September 1, 2025. This move aims to reduce living costs, cut emissions, and encourage rail use over private vehicles.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to a fully devolved and publicly operated railway. Officials believe this will create a more accountable, affordable, and effective service for all communities in Scotland.

Source: www.glasgowlive.co.uk

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