Train services reduced

Train services running through Ayrshire were cut from Monday, operator ScotRail confirmed.

It follows a plunge in passenger numbers across Scotland of almost 90 per cent during lockdown.

Bosses at the travel operator said they would limit the amount of services to 65 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

They say the move“reflects the current demand from customers, while delivering better value for the taxpayer”.

Seat capacity across the country will also be reduced to 72 per cent.

ScotRail says it has consulted with NHS boards to ensure shift patterns for key workers are supported as far as possible.

The company pledged to“constantly review”the changes.

They reminded passengers that the law allows only essential journeys on public transport.

David Simpson, ScotRail’s operations director, said:“We have constantly adapted our timetable throughout the pandemic to reflect restrictions in place at any given time, allowing those travelling to be able to rely on ScotRail, and these alterations will again ensure that we deliver that critical service.

“There will also be minimal change for those currently using our services, as we have matched changes with the current demand.

“Like any business during the pandemic, we need to continue to make sensible financial decisions, and reducing the number of services means a reduction in costs for the taxpayer, while continuing to deliver a safe and reliable rail service.”