ScotRail ticket checks to resume on trains
Ticket inspectors haven't been moving between carriages since last year as a coronavirus precaution
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
Ticket checks onboard ScotRail trains are returning on Monday 26 April.
Staff haven't been moving around carriages since the start of the pandemic, to prevent the spread of the virus.
It comes on the day that restrictions on hospitality, tourism, non-essential retail and travel within the UK are to be eased.
Scotrail hopes workers being able to move throughout will reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour and assist keeping trains clean and tidy during journeys.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail head of customer operations, said: "We are absolutely committed to the health and wellbeing of our staff and passengers, so there has been a massive effort to ensure the on-train environment is safe to give people peace of mind when travelling.
"The visible presence of ScotRail staff throughout trains is critically important for customers, and its return is a welcome step in the recovery of the railway.
"But, it's also vital our passengers remember they have a responsibility to each other, and our staff, to observe our rules for safer travel until Covid-19 restrictions are completely lifted.
"Customers are being reminded to buy tickets in advance of travel via the ScotRail app, website, or station facilities.
"It is a requirement to hold a valid ticket before boarding a train, and we will be increasing the frequency of our checks to make sure customers are playing their part."
Scottish Government support worth more than £400 million has been given to the operator since March 2020.
It has helped ScotRail to sustain jobs without cutting any permanent positions or wages.
The operator will also be increasing the number of services from May 16.