ScotRail axes more than 700 train services amid pay dispute

Rail passengers and businesses in Scotland are furious after more than 700 train services were axed by the national operator ScotRail in an escalating dispute over pay.

Scores of drivers have refused ScotRail requests to work overtime shifts, forcing the newly nationalised company to scrap about 30% of its scheduled weekday rail services. That has left commuters unable to get home or to work early or late in the day.

On Twitter, commuters accused the rail operator of presiding over “an absolute joke” and “a complete disaster”. One key worker said it was “scandalous” that late-night services had been removed.

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>Is this some sort of joke?? Last train from Glasgow to glengarnock/Largs now 22:00? What about people who work til 10pm no buses now no trains so we just to be left stranded? Absolute joke<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>I see the new @ScotRail timetable is introducing its own lockdown by ensuring we can’t travel anywhere in the evening.<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>@ScotRail Emergency timetable is complete disaster for anyone commuting between Dunblane or BofA and Glasgow. Only one morning service that will arrive before 9am. Total nightmare<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>Late night key worker throughout the pandemic. Absolutely scandalous that you would remove late night services completely. Disgusted doesn't cover it.

The Night Time Industries Association, which represents nightclubs, venues, bars and restaurants, said the cuts were another blow to their viability after two years of Covid restrictions. It said the loss of later trains threatened the safety of customers and staff travelling home.

“These devastating cuts to rail services will leave commuters rushing to

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