The rapid spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant has resulted in a large number of absences at ScotRail, with staff testing positive, awaiting results, or having to self-isolate. This means that several services have been changed or even cancelled, in recent weeks.

The timetable, which mainly impacts upon services in the central belt, will be in place from Tuesday, January 4 until January 28, and will operate between Monday and Friday.

David Simpson, ScotRail Operations Director, said: 

“Like most businesses, ScotRail is not immune to the impact of coronavirus. We’ve been working flat out to run a safe and reliable railway in really difficult and rapidly changing circumstances.

“As we continue to battle against the impact of coronavirus, we want to provide customers with a level of certainty, which is why we are introducing some temporary changes to our timetable from Tuesday, 4 January until Friday, 28 January 2022.

“We’ve looked to spread these changes out across the day where possible to minimise the impact on our customers, but people should plan ahead and continue to check the train times right up until they arrive at the station.

“We urge anyone travelling with us to stay safe and continue to follow government guidance. This includes maintaining good hand hygiene and wearing a face covering for your entire journey.”

Further details about the temporary timetable can be found on the ScotRail website: www.scotrail.co.uk/timetable-update