Scotrail restarts more late trains as hopes grow for end to pay dispute
The last trains from Glasgow and Edinburgh to a number of destinations will be later again from Monday
ScotRail is to run more later trains following a breakthrough in talks between transport bosses and the drivers union in a row over pay and rest day working.
Around 700 services were axed from the newly-nationalised operator on May 23 as members of the Aslef union refused to work rest days and ScotRail introduced a temporary timetable for its network.
Weeks of disruption
The disruption over the last few weeks has seen football fans forced to leave the Scotland v Armenia game before the final whistle to catch the last train, commuters stranded, and communities cut off.
But from Monday, ScotRail will reintroduce services on some routes, a move which will see the last train home for many leave later.
David Simpson, ScotRail's service delivery director, said the firm had "listened to the feedback from customers and businesses and have acted".
He added: "The temporary timetable is providing customers with greater certainty and reliability as we seek to reach agreement with Aslef."
The rail operator had already started reintroducing additional late evening trains on Fridays and Saturdays, but the latest announcement will mean late services return Monday to Saturday as well.
More late night trains across the network
It means later trains will run between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Ayr, Gourock and East Kilbride.
From Edinburgh Waverly, later trains will be running between North Berwick, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, and Stirling.
The reintroduction of some services means those wanting to get from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh can get a 11.45pm train, and those travelling in the other direction can get the 11.46pm service.
Those travelling from Glasgow Central to Gourock can get the 11.24pm service, while those going in the opposite direction can catch the 11.24pm train.
The Aberdeen to Inverurie service will also see later trains reintroduced, and ScotRail said it is reviewing changes it can make to rural services in Inverness.
Progress made in talks with union
Mr Simpson said: "While running a temporary timetable is frustrating, it's encouraging that we have made progress with driver pay talks, and I'm pleased we can extend the use of late-night services for customers."
The move comes just a day after Aslef recommend drivers back a new pay offer from ScotRail, a company owned by the Scottish Government.
The offer will see pay increase by 5%, along with more money for rest day and Sunday working, driving instructor and maternity pay, plus a policy of no compulsory redundancies for the next five years.