Anger as ScotRail chief quits

Holyrood: Opposition parties want answers as Verster goes after 18 months

The managing director of under-fire rail operator ScotRail has quit after just 18 months.

Phil Verster has resigned to take up a role managing the East West rail project between Oxford and Cambridge.

Mr Verster, who has only been with ScotRail since 2015, had been facing growing pressure over repeated delays and cancellations.

He sparked outrage at Holyrood this week when he told MSPs it was unclear how plans for a “free week” for season ticket holders, which will be offered in compensation for a poor service, would be funded.

Opposition politicians demanded Transport Minister Humza Yousaf make a statement to parliament over the resignation.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “It’s clear the relationship between the SNP and ScotRail has broken down.

“One man has walked, and the only man left standing is Humza Yousaf.

“He must address this ScotRail crisis and explain to passengers when they will see improvements. The clock is ticking.”

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Liam Kerr added: “Recent developments showed there was friction between ScotRail and the SNP government, and Phil Verster’s resignation further proves this.

“This is yet more bad news for Scottish passengers, and raises questions about what impact this will have on improvements to our rail network.

“Humza Yousaf now needs to explain how he will ensure this does not hold back improvements to the network, and how he will build a better relationship

“This is yet more bad news for Scottish passengers”

with Phil Verster’s replacement.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Rumbles joined calls for Mr Yousaf to explain the situation.

Announcing his resignation, Mr Verster said he had delivered “hundreds of commitments” and “laid the ground for the exciting new train fleets that will start to arrive this year”.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We are grateful to Phil Verster for his hard work during a transitional time in charge of Abellio ScotRail.

“As ever, our focus is not on individuals but helping the industry to deliver the best possible service for Scotland.

“There will be no let-up as we strive to help ScotRail and others improve the passenger experience.”

NO PICNIC: Phil Verster, right, seen with former transport minister Derek Mackay, faced pressure over services