Train punctuality in Scotland reaches eight-month high

Almost nine in 10 ScotRail trains ran on time last month as punctuality reached an eight-month high, according to new figures.

Across Scotland, 89.9% of the operator’s trains met the rail industry standard public performance measure (PPM).

This means they arrived at their destination within four minutes and 59 seconds of their timetabled arrival time having called at all scheduled stations.

The four-week period April 1 to April 27 also provided the best day of performance in eight months on April 25, when 94.4% of trains achieved the PPM.

There were also significant improvements in the west of the country in the Suburban West area, which includes the Helensburgh to Edinburgh line.

It had its best levels of PPM in 18 months.

The figures come after the Scottish Government handed ScotRail its second improvement notice in less than two months in February after passenger satisfaction plunged to its lowest level in 15 years.

Alex Hynes, ScotRail Alliance managing director, said: “Improving the service for our customers is what everyone across the ScotRail Alliance is working flat-out to deliver and it is particularly good news that we have delivered the best punctuality for our customers since September last year.

“We know that we still need to improve but I am confident that the investment we are making across Scotland’s railway will help us to give our customers the service they expect and deserve.”

There were also improvements in punctuality at Motherwell, Oban, Garscadden and Dalmuir, all of which have more than 4% improvements in PPM year-on-year.

ScotRail is now running more than 2,400 trains every week day, up 11% on 10 years ago.