ScotRail's full timetable to return next Monday

ScotRail will be restoring its full timetable from Monday 7 October.

Trains have been running on a reduced timetable since 10 July following a long-running pay dispute involving train drivers.

But last week 75% of Aslef members voted for a new deal, which will provide staff with a 4.5% rise backdated to April.

Peak time rail fares returned to train services in Scotland on 27 September.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail's service delivery director, said: "We are delighted to confirm that our full timetable will return on Monday.

"We have been working round the clock to deliver this in a very short space of time because we know how important a full service is to our customers.

"It’s been a difficult few months for our customers and staff, and we thank everybody for their patience."

He added: "With a pay deal agreed and the full timetable back in place, everyone at ScotRail is focused on delivering a safe, reliable, and green service for our customers."

The company said it was recruiting 160 new drivers every year to reduce its reliance on overtime working.

Trade unions and environmental groups have launched a petition demanding the permanent abolition of peak fare pricing.

The petition is led by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and includes a number of unions and environmental organisations.

They argue that return of peak fares contradicts Scotland’s ambitions for sustainable travel and investment in public services.

STUC deputy general secretary Dave Moxham said: "Reintroducing peak fares is a slap in the face for working people across Scotland who depend on affordable public transport to get to work.

"This decision blatantly contradicts the government’s own commitments to reducing carbon emissions and creating a fairer society.

"If we are serious about tackling the climate crisis and supporting workers, the Scottish government must end this outdated and unfair fare structure."

He added that scrapping peak fares permanently was essential for a just and sustainable future.

Imogen Dow, Friends of the Earth Scotland's head of campaigns said: "Transport is Scotland’s biggest source of climate pollution so if ministers are serious about getting our climate commitments back on track that means changing the ways we travel.

“We urgently need to move as many journeys as possible from cars to sustainable transport.

"Making sure our public transport is affordable, accessible and reliable is essential to addressing climate change as well as tackling toxic air pollution from traffic."