Timetable improvements to add 20,000 extra seats on troubled franchise
Scotrail timetable improvements will add thousands of seats for passengers every day, the operator has said.
It said trains are now able to seat 625,000 passengers each weekday – 115,000 more seats than when Scotrail took over the franchise.
More high-speed and electric trains, combined with the completion of the electrification of the line between Edinburgh and Glasgow, will add another 20,000 seats when the new timetable comes into force from 18 May.
Scotrail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes said: “The timetable changes we are making will see even more improvements on Scotland’s railway, with the unprecedented investment in new trains and infrastructure delivering faster journeys, more seats and more services for our customers.
“We are now providing 115,000 extra seats every day since the start of the franchise, and everyone …is working hard to deliver the service that our customers expect and deserve.”
Dissatisfied passengers suffered Scotrail’s worstever performance after the operator brought in the current timetable before Christmas, prompting transport secretary Michael Matheson to issue the firm with a remedial notice for breaching performance targets and cancellations.
Mr Matheson has now urged Scotrail to “ensure as smooth a timetable change as possible”. He said: “This Government wants rail to continue to grow, making it an attractive alternative to the car. Our ongoing investment is expected to deliver real benefits, not only through improved infrastructure but also as more new and upgraded trains enter service.”
In April, almost nine in ten Scotrail trains ran on time as punctuality reached an eightmonth high. Over the month, 89.9 per cent of services arrived at their destination within four minutes and 59 seconds of their timetabled arrival time having called at all scheduled stations.