ScotRail safety rating reaches 94 per cent

ScotRail safety rating stands at 94 per cent under the Safer Railway Scheme for its approach to safeguarding, security and public protection.

ScotRail safety rating under the Safer Railway Scheme

The Safer Railway Scheme⁠ began last month, with assessments carried out by British Transport Police and the Department for Transport. ScotRail, which is publicly owned, was rated highly for its continuing work⁠ to address violence against women and girls, prevent suicide, and protect the public.

The operator was also recognised for cooperation with partner organisations and its focus on staff welfare. The safety score came as ScotRail also recorded strong marks for customer satisfaction.

The Safer Railway Scheme gives the ScotRail score a wider benchmark because it sets national standards for rail organisations operating on the UK network. The framework covers how operators manage safety, security and safeguarding, including work with British Transport Police to prevent crime, protect vulnerable people and support passengers and staff. The guidance also states that accreditation is valid for two years, so the 94 per cent result sits within an ongoing assessment process rather than only within Rail Safety Week messaging. (gov.uk⁠)

Rail Safety Week and summer travel advice

The accreditation figures were published during Rail Safety Week⁠, which started on Monday 15 June and concludes today, 21 June. As part of the week, ScotRail has been encouraging passengers to “travel well, travel safe” during the summer travel period.

Safety guidance is being shared across stations, trains and social media channels. Internally, the company is also working with staff to help them stay fit, focused and ready to support passengers.

ScotRail is highlighting simple steps passengers can take to improve safety while travelling by train. The summer months bring higher passenger numbers, with people travelling for days out, events, holidays, evenings with family and friends, and the world-famous Edinburgh Festival.

Through its ‘Fit for Summer’ campaign, ScotRail is advising passengers to drink sensibly, stay hydrated in hot weather, use a help point or speak to staff if they feel unwell before boarding, and plan journeys ahead of time.

Graeme Baillie, ScotRail Safety & Sustainability Director, said:

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to have been recognised through the Safer Railway Scheme assessment.”

“We have strong partnerships with British Transport Police, Network Rail, and others across Scotland’s Railway to keep people safe, and customers have a role to play too.”

“Whether it’s drinking sensibly, staying hydrated, or asking for help if you feel unwell, small actions can help keep everyone safe.”

“With our ‘Fit for Summer’ campaign now underway, our message is simple: travel well, travel safe, and help us keep Scotland’s Railway safe for everyone.”