ScotRail will reduce the number of carriages on some services from tomorrow (January 18).

The revised lockdown restrictions announced by the Scottish Government recently have had a further impact on the number of people travelling, and fewer seats are needed to continue running a safe and reliable service.

With customer numbers down by almost 90 per cent compared to the same time last year, the changes will ensure that trains run when they are needed most, while delivering better value for the taxpayer.

The train operator’s ability to fully staff the different areas of the business has also been impacted by the latest restrictions, including staff having to shield and others having to self-isolate.

As has been the case throughout the pandemic, ScotRail say the alterations are being made based on demand and will allow customers to travel safely, while observing physical distancing guidelines.

The routes impacted from Monday include:

· Edinburgh – Glasgow via Falkirk High.

· North Electrics including Airdrie – Balloch and Milngavie – Springburn.

· East Kilbride.

Further changes are being planned for other routes, which may be implemented following a more thorough review of the demand from customers. This will include a reduction in the number of services operating from early February.

Any changes being made will be constantly reviewed, particularly if there is any change to passenger numbers.

David Simpson, ScotRail Operations Director, said: “Throughout the pandemic we have made multiple changes to services, ensuring that customers can travel safely and rely on ScotRail to get them to where they need to be.

“Following the enhanced restrictions, we are again making these alterations based on the current demand from customers, and it will allow us to keep on providing a critical service for those travelling.

“Like any business during the pandemic, we need to continue to make sensible financial decisions, and reducing the number of carriages means a reduction in costs for the taxpayer, while continuing to deliver a safe and reliable rail service.”