ScotRail cancellations hit new high

THE number of ScotRail trains cancelled has soared to a record high amid growing concern over its performance.

Figures released by the Scottish parliament’s independent research centre yesterday show 3.66 per cent of services were cancelled between September 16 and October 13, the highest since Abellio took over the franchise in 2015.

The news sparked renewed calls for ministers to consider a break clause to terminate the Dutch firm’s franchise.

But ScotRail said the rising number of cancellations was mainly down to bad weather during the recent Storm Ali.

It is more than double the 1. 9 per cent cancellation rate at the same time last year. In 2016-17 it was 0.75 per cent.

The figures came ahead of a Labourled debate at Holyrood tomorrow, urging that a break clause in Abellio’s contract be invoked in 2020, allowing a new operator to be appointed in 2022.

Scottish Labour transport spokesman Colin Smyth said: ‘ScotRail’s cancellations are now the worst on record. It is a failing franchise in a failing franchising system. Passengers have had enough.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We know performance is not where it should be. That is why ministers can and do hold Abellio ScotRail to account within the terms of the franchise agreement. This includes the ability to end the contract if its terms are not met and it is in the public interest to do so.’ ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes said: ‘We faced significant challenges during Storm Ali.

‘We know the disruption affected our customers. We understand their frustration and we are sorry that their journeys were impacted upon so much during the storm.’