UNIONS representing rail workers across Scotland have condemned proposals which would see hundreds of services axed, using the pandemic as cover for cuts. 

The proposed ScotRail timetable from May 2022 would have about 2,100 services each weekday, down from around 2,400 before the pandemic.

The train company brought in a reduced timetable when the country first went into lockdown in March 2020 as passenger numbers plunged.

ScotRail said it has been able to continue to operate during the pandemic thanks to significant financial support of more than £400 million in the form of Emergency Measures Agreements from the Scottish government.

ScotRail is set to return to public hands from March 2022, just a month after the proposed timetable changes would be implemented. 

It is now launching a public consultation on the proposed timetable, with rail unions Aslef, RMT, TSSA and Unite joining forces to oppose the plans.

In a joint statement, they said: “It is incredible that, in the year that the world comes to Scotland to debate the very future of our planet, ScotRail is proposing cuts to rail services in a transparent attempt to use the pandemic as cover for cuts.

“These plans would not only cull jobs, they would hit the most vulnerable hardest — including elderly and disabled people — while diverting many passengers back onto the roads and increasing pollution, congestion and greenhouse gases.

“It is exactly this type of short-term thinking that has contributed to the climate crisis.

“We need a railway where trains are regular, reliable and affordable — with services properly staffed.

“It is this model of a high-quality dependable service that will encourage car drivers onto our trains. ScotRail’s proposals will achieve the opposite.”

ScotRail said that returning to its pre-pandemic timetable would lead to increased emissions, and “would increase ScotRail costs to the taxpayer by £30-40 million each year.”

The company said that under the proposed new timetable, most customers will find the number of calls at their station and the destinations served are similar to today, though others will change.

ScotRail operations director David Simpson said: “Our proposals build on that — we know that a safe and reliable service is a top priority for customers.”

Transport minister Graeme Dey said ScotRail were reviewing changes in travel patterns across Scotland so that timetables best meet demand.