ScotRail has announced additional services on 11 routes for Thursday, after strike action disrupted timetables. The operator initially said it would be unable to run a full service on Thursday due to the UK-wide industrial action by RMT union members, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday and will continue on Friday and Saturday.
The extra services will operate on routes including Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street, Edinburgh Waverley to Helensburgh Central, and Glasgow Queen Street to Falkirk Grahamston, among others. ScotRail advised passengers to check their entire journey before travelling, as last train times may vary.
Meanwhile, the Aslef train drivers' union will strike on Thursday, affecting cross-border services. LNER, which runs trains between Edinburgh and London, said there would be an extremely limited service. Avanti West Coast services are also affected, but flood damage has closed the main rail line between Glasgow and Carlisle until Friday, with the operator advising people not to travel to and from Scotland on the West Coast Main Line.
About 40,000 Network Rail workers are expected to take part in the nationwide strikes over a pay dispute. Network Rail owns and maintains railway infrastructure, and its staff have essential safety roles. ScotRail said the action meant it would not be able to run the vast majority of its services on strike days.
Heavy rain is expected to continue on Thursday, particularly along the west coast of Scotland, with wind gusts between 50-70mph. Network Rail said it would have chainsaw teams and response staff on standby, but no speed restrictions are planned. Engineering work is ongoing on the West Coast Mainline near Carstairs, where an embankment was damaged during heavy rain.
