More than nine out of ten trains on time for five months in a row

New figures published show that more than nine out of ten ScotRail trains have arrived on time for the past five months in a row.

In the most recent period of performance (28 June – 25 July), 95.6 per cent of ScotRail trains met the rail industry standard Public Performance Measure (PPM).

It’s the fifth consecutive period that Scotland’s Railway has delivered strong levels of punctuality.

The hard work and dedication of ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland throughout the COVID-19 outbreak has helped to reduce cancellations across Scotland and keep people moving.

Earlier this week, the train operator announced that from Monday, 3 August, it would begin to operate more than 90 per cent of its normal timetable.

ScotRail has been operating a revised timetable throughout height of the pandemic to allow doctors, nurses, care workers, and others making necessary journeys to travel and maintain a safe physical distance.

Although restrictions are now beginning to ease and more services beginning to run, ScotRail is urging people to consider alternative travel options where possible, including walking and cycling, to free up space for those who have no choice but to travel by train.

For those who do travel on ScotRail services, the operator is asking customers to continue to follow its five rules for safer travel and take personal responsibility:

1. Do not travel if you feel unwell or have a temperature.
2. Travel away from the main commuting times (0700 – 0900 and 1600 – 1830) wherever possible, as trains will be busiest around then. The earliest and latest trains serve key workers, like NHS and care home staff.
3. If you think it’s not safe to board a train, don’t do it and wait for another service.
4. Wear a face mask or covering and, where possible, maintain physical distancing.
5. Be patient. You might not be able to board your first choice of train, as physical distancing means most seats need to be left empty.

Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway, said: “Thanks to the hard work of staff across Scotland’s Railway, those making essential and necessary journeys over the past five months have been able to do so on trains that have ran on time.

“As we move toward the further easing of restrictions, with close to a normal timetable in operation from Monday, it’s remains important for customers to take personal responsibility for their choices, consider alternative transport options, and if you do travel to wear a face covering for your entire journey.”

ScotRail’s PPM for the past five periods:

• 28 June – 25 July: 95.6 per cent
• 31 May – 27 June: 95.4 per cent
• 3 May – 30 May: 96.1 per cent
• 1 April – 2 May: 97.6 per cent
• 1 March – 31 March: 92.3 per cent

Photo credit: ScotRail

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