Scotrail slammed as 27,500 services cancelled since nationalisation
Tories say passengers deserve better as operator says there are more services than ever and public satisfaction is high
Last updated 31st Mar 2024
Almost 27,500 rail services have been cancelled in the two-year period since ScotRail was nationalised, figures have shown.
Data obtained by the Scottish Tories through freedom of information revealed 12,416 trains were cancelled in the 2023-24 financial year up to February 29.
A further 15,013 were cancelled in the financial year prior.
ScotRail came under national ownership on April 1 2022, with the two-year anniversary fast approaching.
Scottish Tory transport spokesman Graham Simpson said the figures "fly in the face" of the Scottish Government's pledges of an "efficient, sustainable and fit for the future" service.
Cancellations in 2019-20 were at a similar level, with 14,935 called off, showing a trend has continued post-nationalisation.
Transport Scotland said more than 200 additional services have been added each weekday since nationalisation.
Mr Simpson urged Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop to urgently outline plans to deliver "consistently reliable" services.
He said: "Nicola Sturgeon and other SNP ministers insisted nationalisation would herald a bright new dawn for passengers, but the reality is a litany of broken promises.
"These appalling figures show that hard-pressed passengers are suffering thousands of cancellations each year.
"That completely flies in the face of what was promised two years ago and exposes a nationalised service that simply is not reliable for passengers."
Transport Scotland confirmed last year rail fares would increase by 8.7% from April 1.
Mr Simpson added: "If we are to encourage more people back onto public transport, then we need to see a change in direction from the SNP Transport Secretary.
"The third year of nationalisation must see Fiona Hyslop urgently outline plans that will deliver consistently reliable services and a real vision for our railways."
200 additional services each weekday
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: "Since ScotRail moved into public sector, we have added over 200 additional services each weekday, offering 7% more seats. Passenger numbers have increased by 75% from 46.7 million in 2021/22 to around 82 million in 2023/24.
"This makes ScotRail one of the fastest-growing operators, with one of the best passenger satisfaction rates."
ScotRail said its passenger numbers had increased by around 75% in the last year, boosting the number from 46.7 million in 2021/22 to around 82 million in 2023/24.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: "Disruption and cancellations happen for a variety of reasons, many not within ScotRail's control, like infrastructure.
"In 2023/24, we operated over 740,000 services throughout the year.
"This means that cancellations represented just 1.7% of all services for the year."