Rail

Improving Scotland's rail network through franchise development and forward-thinking policies.

The Scottish Government has put in place temporary variations to the ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper franchises in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This will ensure passenger services can continue to operate on a reduced timetable and in accordance with social distancing measures. 

The existing franchise agreements will be temporarily varied for a minimum period of six months. During this time train operators will receive increased payments to cover operating costs, as necessary because of reduced revenues, with a small management fee paid at the end of the variation period and subject to satisfactory performance.

These emergency measures are necessary in order to secure the continued provision of services throughout this period, to allow key workers to get to their workplaces and also allow vital freight trains to operate.

Building a greener railway

Our rail services decarbonisation action plan sets out how we will develop a rail network that is good for the economy, communities and the environment.

Investing in Scotland's Railway

We are investing in connecting communities and spreading sustainable economic prosperity

Rail policy and strategy

We are developing and improving Scotland's rail networks, upgrading stations, and honing timetables - we work with local communities to achieve our goals

ScotRail franchise

ScotRail is one of the busiest transport franchises in Scotland and the latest contract with Abellio is set to improve our networks even more

Caledonian Sleeper franchise

Offering overnight trains between London and cities across Scotland, we're in charge of tendering and accounting for the franchise - currently operated by Serco

Access for disabled people

Identifying which Scottish stations should be given priority for improving access for disabled people

Performance and service quality

How well our operators are delivering on their commitment to run the services on Scotland's rail network

Service Quality Incentive Regime

A customer-focused scheme that measures the qualities of facilities at stations and on trains

Scotland's Railway

Overview of the rail industry in Scotland and how it is regulated

Evaluation of rail projects

Guidance outlining the stages which should be followed when evaluating rail projects

Public Register

The Scottish Ministers must maintain a Public Register in accordance with section 73A of the Railways Act 1993 (as introduced by paragraph 31 of Schedule 1 to the 2005 Act)

Far North Line Review Group

A look at the work carried out and improvements made by the Far North Line Review Group so far

Railcard discount schemes

Apply for a range of UK-wide railcards, including the veterans railcard which offers an introductory discount until 31 March 2021.

related publications