TRAINS in Scotland are being severely disrupted just as ScotRail re-introduces its full timetable.
Nearly 700 additional services will be running each day as the operator returns to its May timetable on July 20 after weeks of disputes over drivers pay.
However, ScotRail is warning passengers to plan ahead before making their journey as the heatwave is still causing disruption on some services.
Network Rail has said there are currently no direct trains running between Scotland and London due to damage from this week’s heatwave.
LNER, Avanti and Caledonian Sleeper services are all affected.
LNER said this is due to a fire near the railway south of Peterborough, which has damaged signalling equipment and stopped trains running south.
Avanti West Coast is asking passengers to check their journey is running before heading to the station as severe disruption has been caused by damage to overhead wires in yesterday’s heat.
Caledonian Sleeper services leaving London Euston were cancelled on Tuesday night. They advise travellers to contact them to check if their journey will be taking place.
The temporary timetable had been in place since May 23 after members of the drivers union Aslef refused to work overtime or on rest days while the pay dispute was ongoing.
Members of the union have since agreed to accept an offer which includes a 5% pay increase and more money for rest days, permitting the return of a full timetable.
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “I’d like to thank our customers for their patience through what has been a very challenging few months.
“I’d encourage customers to check their journey before they travel as our timetable returns to May 2022 levels, particularly given the disruption to services over recent days due to the extreme heat.
"We know how much people right across the country rely on rail travel, so we’re pleased to increase the number of services. Reaching such a positive resolution is a big step forward and everyone at ScotRail can now focus our efforts on providing the safest, greenest, and most reliable railway we can.”
