ScotRail is nationalised effective today as the Scottish national train company has moved into public ownership.
From April 1, a new company, ScotRail Trains Limited, now runs the service as overseen by Scottish Rail Holdings Ltd, a new public body controlled by the Scottish Government.
Abellio owned the company from April 2015, but the Dutch public transport business was stripped of its contract in December 2019 due to poor performance, Glasgow Live reports.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the move as a "historic moment" and a "significant milestone".
She added that nationalising ScotRail provided "an opportunity to modernise" and would result in "passenger services which are efficient, sustainable, safe, fit for the future".
Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth stated the move would allow it to be more "affordable, sustainable and customer-focused".
The decision was met with a positive response from trade unions, including the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF), the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).
So, what does this mean for customers and staff?
What will change for ScotRail passengers after it becomes nationalised?
For passengers, nothing will immediately change when ownership of the rail service changes hands.
In an email sent to customers in March, ScotRail stated: "There are no immediate changes and there is nothing you need to do.
"We will continue to run train services across the ScotRail network using the same employees, and we will continue to process your personal data for the same purposes."
Customers who previously purchased tickets will not need to make any changes, as they will remain valid for the dates shown — all season tickets will also remain valid.
There is also no plans to make any changes to the timetables, according to ScotRail.
The company's branding will remain nearly identical, other than the fact that Abellio will be removed.
What will change for ScotRail staff after it becomes nationalised?
All staff will be moved over to the new Scottish Government -owned ScotRail Trains Limited.
Nicola Sturgeon stated: "Over the spring we will launch a national conversation offering rail staff, passengers and communities an opportunity to contribute to the future vision for Scotland's railway and help shape this new beginning for ScotRail."
A day of action will be held today by the RMT outside Glasgow Queen Street station, who will be calling for "a properly funded rail operator that delivers for passengers, communities and workers".
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