ScotRail confirms normal service will resume on Inverness to Wick route tomorrow
ScotRail has confirmed that its full timetable will resume tomorrow (Tuesday, November 8) following confirmation that planned strike action for today and Wednesday has been suspended to allow for further pay negotiations.
ScotRail is working with Network Rail to ensure routes are ready for services to operate as soon as possible, however, the train operator has been advised by Network Rail that it will not be possible to operate all routes until Tuesday.
The train operator has been working around the clock to restore the full timetable since the announcement – a complex process which involves rewriting train timetables and rosters for thousands of staff, and getting trains to where they need to be.
Today (Monday, November 7), ScotRail will operate the limited timetable that was due to be in place during the strike action planned for that day, with the addition of services between Carlisle and Dumfries, Ayr and Stranraer, Inverness and Wick, and between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh.
Customers are being advised to only travel if they really need to.
ScotRail is working to add more services and routes for operation from today, and the train operator is encouraging customers planning to travel to check their entire journey before they head to the station.
More information is available on the ScotRail website at scotrail.co.uk/strike.
David Simpson, ScotRail Service delivery director, said: “ScotRail welcomes the announcement that planned strike action on 7 and 9 November by RMT members at Network Rail has been suspended.
“Strike action does nothing for the railway’s recovery or reputation at this fragile time. It impacts customers, staff, and the economy. We’re working hard to restore a normal timetable for Tuesday, 8 November to deliver a service our customers expect and deserve.
Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: “We are working hard alongside ScotRail and our other operators to reintroduce services as quickly as possible for customers. We remain committed to working positively with our trades unions to find a resolution to this dispute.”
