ScotRail’s normal timetable resumes across Scotland today, with 700 more services running than in recent weeks.
A very limited national rail service had been in place for several months throughout a pay dispute with drivers’ union ASLEF.
Also impacting services in recent weeks were UK-wide disruption caused by strikes by RMT members of Network Rail. The RMT union plans further national strike action on Wednesday 27th July, which is expected to affect services.
Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce has spoken up for North-east businesses throughout this difficult period, highlighting the economic damage to a variety of firms, passengers and to the wider economic environment during a fragile period of recovery.
The Chamber has used the opportunity to get the future of rail services back up the policy agenda, continuing to press for upgraded infrastructure to reduce journey times to the central belt and throwing its weight behind calls for reinstated lines north of Aberdeen — including direct engagement between its members and Alex Hynes, the Managing Director of Scotland’s Railways.
Commenting on the restoration of the rail timetable to normal service, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Policy Adviser Fergus Mutch said: “Our members will be very pleased indeed that ScotRail services will return to normal tomorrow.
“This has been a lengthy, challenging couple of months for business — with many passengers deciding to forego the hassle of travelling by train for work.
“North-east businesses need to be connected to the rest of the country and to the rest of the world and, as we enter the summer months, we want to make it as smooth as possible for people coming here to visit the region.
“We are very grateful to ScotRail and Network Rail for keeping the Chamber and our members well-informed throughout, allowing them to plan accordingly.
“There remains, however, a significant risk of further disruption to services this summer with Network Rail and the RMT’s dispute as of yet unresolved. Again, we urge them to get round the table to strike a deal, in the best interests of business and passengers.
“Furthermore, we have seen cancellations across the UK this week with extremes of weather — which we know will become more common in future years. We need investment from governments in critical infrastructure to ensure our railways are more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
“And, of course, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce will continue to push for investment to cut journey times to the central belt and improved and expanded services across our region.”