The ScotRail Alliance is advising those heading to the TRNSMT festival this weekend to make their travel plans now.

Music fans heading to see the likes of Radiohead, Kasabian and Biffy Clyro are warned that trains to and from Glasgow will be busier than normal all weekend, and those planning to attend are encouraged to travel early in the day where possible.

The ScotRail Alliance will be adding extra carriages to services through Bridgeton, and on key routes to and from Glasgow wherever possible all day on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be extra carriages on late evening services on Friday.

The last trains on many routes will depart before, or very shortly after, the event ends each night. Fans are urged to double-check the times of their last trains, and make alternative arrangements to get home if they plan on staying later.

With huge numbers expected to attend, queueing systems will be in place at key stations across the network and extra staff will be on hand to help things goes smoothly.

Top five tips
1. Buy your ticket before you board. You’ll need a valid ticket for travel, and checks will be in place at many stations.
2. Check your train times. Remember to leave time to catch any connecting services that you need.
3. Listen up! We’ll have extra staff on the ground to help things go smoothly. To help them help you, please listen to their instructions.
4. Download the ScotRail app. You can use it to buy tickets, check train times, and see live service information.
5. Don’t leave it too late – services will be busy, and you might not be able to board your first choice of train.

Communications director Rob Shorthouse said: “The new festival is an exciting event, and we will be doing everything we can to help make it a success.

“Thousands of people will be travelling to the event, so we will be adding extra carriages to services right across the central belt and the west of Scotland to try to make things a bit easier for people.

“But trains will be much busier than usual, so we encourage people to plan their journey in advance and make sure they have their ticket before boarding.”

The ScotRail Alliance is advising those heading to the Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, Irvine, from 12 – 16 July to make their travel plans now.

With big numbers expected to flock to the Ayrshire coast to see golf giants like Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson and Adam Scott, the ScotRail Alliance will be adding extra carriages to services. More seats will be available between Glasgow and Ayrshire on Friday night, as well as all day Saturday and Sunday.

Golf fans and locals alike are advised that trains to and from Irvine will be busier than normal over all four days of the competition, and those planning to attend are encouraged to head through early in the day where possible. A queueing system will be in place at Irvine and extra staff will be on hand to assist.

A free shuttle bus service to the course will depart frequently from outside the station.

Top five tips
1. Buy your ticket before you board. You’ll need a valid ticket for travel, and barriers may be in place.
2. Check your train times. Remember to leave time to catch any connecting services that you need.
3. Listen up! We’ll have extra staff on the ground to help things go smoothly. To help them help you, please listen to their instructions.
4. Download the ScotRail app. You can use it to buy tickets, check train times, and see live service information.
5. Don’t leave it too late – services will be busy, and you might not be able to board your first choice of train.

Communications director Rob Shorthouse said: “It’s great that the Scottish Open is being held for the first time at Dundonald Links, and we want to play our part in making it a success.

“We will be adding extra carriages to services to try to make things a bit easier for people travelling to and from Irvine.

“But trains will be busier than usual, so we encourage people to plan their journey in advance and make sure they have their ticket before boarding.”

– 95.4 per cent of Scotland’s trains ran on time last week
– Best performance since the start of the franchise in April 2015

The ScotRail Alliance achieved its best performance last week since Abellio took over the franchise in April 2015.

New figures published today by The ScotRail Alliance show that 95.4 per cent of trains were on time between Sunday 25 June and Saturday 1 July. This is the best weekly performance since the start of the franchise in April 2015.

The ScotRail Alliance’s improved performance was achieved during a time of major upgrades and improvements to the existing network.

Last week it was revealed that for the four-week period up to 24 June 2017, 92 per cent of Scotland’s trains met the industry target public performance measure (PPM). This compares to 90 per cent for the same period last year – an increase of two percentage points in just twelve months.

This means more of the 60,000 services in Scotland during the period ran on time. During the same period in England and Wales, the equivalent figure was 88.6 per cent.

The ScotRail Alliance’s moving annual average – the annual performance standard – is now at 90.5 per cent.

Perry Ramsey, Operations Director at The ScotRail Alliance, said:

“The fact that we achieved our best weekly performance on record is good news for passengers across Scotland. Last week more trains than ever ran on time, meaning more passengers enjoyed hassle free journeys.

“This performance is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to make sure customers can travel on Scotland’s railway with as little fuss as possible.

“When we are undertaking the biggest upgrade to Scotland’s rail network since Victorian times, this is an impressive performance and confirms that we continue to deliver for our passengers.

“But we will never rest on our laurels. We know that any disruption can be frustrating for passengers, so we will continue to work hard every single day to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.

“The major improvements we are making to our service – from the electrification of the Glasgow to Edinburgh line, to the delivery of new trains, to the upgrades to stations all across Scotland – will ultimately mean faster journeys, more seats and better services for Scotland’s passengers.”

– Train service punctuality in four weeks to 24 June 2017 was 92 per cent
– The equivalent figure in England and Wales was 88.6 per cent

Performance on Scotland’s railway has improved yet again, newly released figures show.

For the four week period up to 24 June 2017, 92 per cent of Scotland’s trains met the industry target PPM measure. This compares to 90 per cent for the same period last year – an increase of two percentage points in just twelve months.

This means more of the 60,000 services in Scotland during the period ran on time.

During the same period in England and Wales, the equivalent figure was 88.6 per cent.

The ScotRail Alliance’s moving annual average (MMA) – the annual performance standard – is now at 90.5 per cent.

The ScotRail Alliance’s improved performance was achieved during a time of major upgrades and improvements to the existing network.

Perry Ramsey, Operations Director at The ScotRail Alliance, said:
“When we are undertaking the biggest upgrade to Scotland’s rail network since Victorian times, this is an impressive performance and confirms that we continue to deliver for our passengers.

“This performance is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to make sure customers can travel on Scotland’s railway with as little fuss as possible.

“The major improvements we are making to our service – from the electrification of the Glasgow to Edinburgh line, to the delivery of new trains, to the upgrades to stations all across Scotland – will ultimately mean faster journeys, more seats and better services for Scotland’s passengers.

“We know any disruption can be frustrating for passengers, but all the work we are doing just now is helping to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.”

Seeing trains in a different light were 20 female school pupils and their teachers from Bellahouston Academy, Glasgow, when they had tour of the ScotRail Alliance’s Shields train depot for International Women into Engineering day 2017.

They were met by the ScotRail Alliance’s engineering director, Angus Thom, who took them around the busy depot where they saw electric trains in for maintenance, cleaning and refurbishment.

While girls don’t always consider engineering as a career choice, they could see for themselves that technology plays a major part in train engineering, a world away from oily overalls and heavy machinery.

This visit was part of a wider programme of out-reach and attraction work that the ScotRail Alliance is undertaking to attract more female candidates to apply and join not only engineering but also the wider railway business.

The ScotRail Alliance’s Director of HR, John Gillies, said: “Without doubt a train depot is a busy and hectic workplace that offers career opportunities and a rewarding career.

“We welcome all candidates bringing the correct skills and knowledge to our workforce. We also want to increase the number of female candidates applying to work in all parts of the ScotRail Alliance and the depot visit hopefully demonstrated to the girls that this is a challenging and vibrant environment that they’d want to work in.”

Two of the ScotRail Alliance’s senior engineering managers – Syeda Ghufran and Lynsey McCabe – also took the girls through a ‘day in the life’ of an engineer and answered their questions.

Syeda, who’s head of engineering projects, enjoyed sharing her experience on the railway: “Girls in particular don’t seem to think that engineering is a suitable career for them, despite their achievements in maths and science at school.

“Scotland is currently facing a shortage of engineering skills and there are very few female engineers in the STEM industry to fill this gap. I am very passionate about engineering as a profession as it gives you a chance to create new things and develop new ideas to make this world a better place to live and we need more girls to help us do that!”

For further information please contact ScotRail Alliance Communications on 0141 555 4105 or email communications@scotrail.co.uk

• ScotRail Alliance in three-year link up with MND Scotland
• MND Awareness week running from 19-25 June
• MND patients and their families urged to make use of assisted travel scheme to access rail services

Abseils and skydives are just two exploits that will see ScotRail Alliance staff go off the rails this year in aid of their nominated charity, MND Scotland.

Awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) will be raised from 19-25 June at some stations and on social media as the ScotRail Alliance and MND take part in a series of events to fund-raise for the disease which has such a devastating impact on patients and their families and friends.

This coincides with a global MND Awareness Day on 21 June.

To find out more, MND patient Alison McDonald joined ScotRail Alliance Managing Director Alex Hynes and MND Scotland CEO Craig Stockton at Glasgow Central Station, to hear how 7500 ScotRail Alliance staff will be raising money.

The partnership between the ScotRail Alliance and MND Scotland will last for three years. As well as the high-octane events for only the bravest, more sedate dress down days, a concert with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and bake sales will also play their part in raising cash for the charity.

Alex Hynes also took the opportunity to discuss with Alison – who is a wheelchair user – the customer assist programme which is in place to help customers access rail services.

• Last year, the ScotRail Alliance provided just under 85,000 assisted journeys, booked through its website
• Many more unbooked customer assistances are also given by railway staff every day, from helping with luggage, to local directions and support to board or alight trains.

Alex Hynes said: “I admire and support MND Scotland’s work and give my full backing to our three-year partnership which has already started delivering for the charity and its work.

“Part of this support is making our rail services accessible for as many customers as possible and this includes those who may need a bit more help to travel on our trains. I want Scotland’s railway to be the best it’s ever had and making it accessible for all is a big part in delivering that excellence.”

Craig Stockton, CEO of MND Scotland, added: “It’s fantastic to be working so closely with the ScotRail Alliance and to have the opportunity to improve and promote accessible train travel across Scotland.

“Losing your independence can be one of the most difficult things to come to terms with after a diagnosis of MND and we will continue to do what we can to enable people with the illness to maintain their independence and ability to travel for as long as possible.

“We are very excited about the partnership and all of the different activities ScotRail Alliance staff and customers will be able to get involved in over the next three years, as well as the awareness we can raise across the country.”

For more information, please contact ScotRail Alliance Communications on 0141 555 4105 or email communications@scotrail.co.uk

The ScotRail Alliance and British Transport Police (BTP) are issuing travel advice to all customers ahead of Scotland’s football World Cup qualifier against England on Saturday 10 June.

Extra carriages will be added to services between Edinburgh and Glasgow via Falkirk High, as well as on key services between Glasgow, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, East Kilbride, Alloa and Stirling. However, services are still expected to be very busy.

BTP will have extra officers on duty as thousands of fans throughout England and Scotland descent on Hampden Park for this significant match. They’ll be on hand to reassure the travelling public, but also to deter, disrupt and detect criminality.

Queuing systems will be in place at key locations across the network, and fans are advised to leave plenty of extra time for their journey – as they may not be able to board their first train of choice. Customers are reminded that, in addition to the main route through Falkirk High, there are also trains from Edinburgh to Glasgow via Shotts and Bathgate.

Scotland fans will be directed to Mount Florida station before and after the game, while England supporters must use to King’s Park. Additional carriages and services will be running between Glasgow Central and Hampden before and after the game.

To avoid disappointment, fans are being urged to plan their journeys in advance. In particular, they are asked not leave it until the last minute to head to the ground, and to be aware that there are only limited long-distance services after full-time. Where possible, customers travelling to further away destinations should head to either Glasgow Central or Queen Street as soon as they can after the final whistle.

Officers from BTP will be working closely with ScotRail Alliance and other train operators in the build-up this mighty match. This is a cross-border operation and officers have been meticulously planning for many months alongside Police Scotland and train operators. Extra officers will be patrolling train key stations and will be joining fans on board trains before and after the match.

Alcohol bans will be in place on many routes, and customers are reminded that the consumption or open carrying of alcohol is not permitted on any ScotRail service before 10am or after 9pm. Officers will be patrolling the network before and after the game, to reassure the travelling public and to deter anti-social and criminal behaviour.

Jacqueline Taggart, the ScotRail Alliance’s customer experience director, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming fans from both sides of the border onboard our trains this weekend.

“We want everyone to have great time at the match, but more importantly, to stay safe. With this in mind, police and extra staff will be on hand to assist at key locations across our network. Please help them to help you by following their instructions.

“We’ll be doing all we can to get fans to and from the match. You can play your part by planning your journey now – remember not to leave it to the last train of the night to get home, as all trains are going to be very busy. To help reduce your need to queue, please buy your tickets through to Mount Florida or King’s Park in advance – not on the day.”

Chief Superintendent John McBride, leading the operation for British Transport Police, said: “This is a mighty event for both teams and we’re looking forward to welcoming spectators as they arrive in Glasgow. Our policing operation will stretch the breadth of the nation and will involve a large number of officers.

“We want spectators to have a fun and enjoyable journey towards this match and will be on hand if they need assistance. Likewise, we will also be taking a zero-tolerance approach towards any individuals or groups who exhibit anti-social or criminal behaviour. There is no place for hooligan or intimidating behaviour and we will be taking firm action against those who are out to cause trouble.

“I would like to remind passengers travelling longer distances, that there will be few trains departing after the final whistle. Therefore, I would urge them to plan ahead and make sure they have booked accommodation or alternative travel options.

“Passengers are of course the eyes and ears of the rail network and I would ask them to remain vigilant on their journey and report suspicious behaviour to us.”

Anyone who wants to report crime or antisocial behaviour on the railway should do so by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 – in an emergency always call 999.

RSNO duo present Nordic influenced programme on world’s most beautiful railway

Scotland’s West Highland Line, dubbed “…the most beautiful rail journey on earth…” will be alive to the sound of a Nordic-inspired programme of music performed by two musicians from Scotland’s national orchestra next week.

The ScotRail Alliance announced today that violinist, Katherine Wren, and Violist, David Martin, from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) will be performing two special concerts along the West Highland Line, on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 June,

Mallaig, the terminus of the route which was voted ‘most beautiful rail journey on earth’ three times by readers of Wanderlust magazine, will play host to the first performance, which features a collection of music developed by Katherine during her year-long sabbatical where she visited Scotland’s northern isles, The Faroes, Greenland and Iceland. Crianlarich in Stirlingshire will see the second. Both recitals will feature music from talented strings players, performing from their Nordic Viola repertoire. The events will be hosted by the West Highlands Community Rail Partnership, supported by the ScotRail Alliance.

The concert is one of five across Scotland hosted by local community rail partnerships (CRPs), who volunteer their time to promote and improve their local railway line. The West Highlands CRP covers the line between Crianlarich and Mallaig.

The ScotRail Alliance has supported the RSNO since 2008, when they became the official travel partner to the Orchestra.

James Ledgerwood, the ScotRail Alliance’s head of economic development, said: “We’re very fortunate to work alongside so many groups across Scotland that are so passionate, not only about their local railway, but also about the wider difference the railway can make to local communities.

“These concerts show that the benefits these groups bring don’t end at the station platform.”

RSNO Viola Katherine Wren: “Nordic Viola has performed in venues around the North Atlantic over the past year including outdoor installations such as “Tvisöngur” in East Iceland. We’re passionate about sharing our music in wild places and we look forward to bringing the music of Iceland, the Shetland Islands and Greenland to the West Highlands!”

Pictured above: The Royal Scottish National Orchestra at the RSNO Centre, Glasgow.

The ScotRail Alliance today announced that musicians from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) will be performing two special concerts on board trains along the Borders Railway.

RSNO violinists Alan John and Alison McIntyre will be performing a section of music, from classical to traditional Scottish, on the 1125 Edinburgh – Tweedbank and the 1328 back to Edinburgh on Wednesday 7 June, with the support of the ScotRail Alliance and the Borders Railway Community Rail Partnership.

The concert is one of five across Scotland hosted by local community rail partnerships, who volunteer their time to promote and improve their local railway line. The ScotRail Alliance has supported the RSNO since 2008, when they became the official travel partner to the orchestra.

James Ledgerwood, the ScotRail Alliance’s head of economic development, said: “We’re very fortunate to work alongside so many groups across Scotland that are so passionate, not only about their local railway, but also about the wider difference the railway can make to local communities.

“These concerts show that the benefits these groups bring don’t end at the station platform.”

RSNO Artistic Director for Learning and Engagement William Chandler: “Our partnership with ScotRail is incredibly valuable to us as it provides us with the means to travel the country performing to audiences in urban and rural settings. We relish the opportunity to try new things so when the opportunity to use the rail network to not only access performance opportunities but to provide platforms for performances themselves we were keen to accept. We’re very much looking forward to seeing some new faces on our journeys and spreading the joy of live music”.

Pictured: The Royal Scottish National Orchestra at the RSNO Centre, Glasgow.

The ScotRail Alliance is proud to announce the creation of Scotland’s newest community rail partnership (CRP).

The Rail 74 partnership launches on Friday 2 June, on the route between Rutherglen and Hamilton Central. To mark the event, a piper will greet the train at Rutherglen, with volunteers from the CRP joining and raising awareness of the new group to passengers on the train.

The partnership brings together groups from across the community to improve and promote their local railway line. The partnership was made possible by Business in the Community Scotland, whose local Business Connectors worked with a wide range of local groups to establish the partnership.

The group intends to act as bridge between the line and the local community, and make the communities along the line a better place to work, live and do business.

The ScotRail Alliance has extensively supported the partnership, awarding £10,000 of funding to the partnership to facilitate their plans. The most visible of which will be large totem pole, hand-carved by groups ranging including young homeless people, mental health patients and primary schoolchildren.

James Ledgerwood, the ScotRail Alliance’s head of economic development said, “We know that railways are the lifeblood of many communities across the country.

“Community rail partnerships are an excellent way for us to work in partnership with local communities to maximise the wider opportunities our services can bring. Rail74 has some really exciting plans in place, and we look forward to working within them in there delivery.

“I know they have the drive and determination to make a real difference.”
Jane Wood, Director of Membership and Nations for Business in the Community, said: “We are delighted to see the hard work of our Business Connectors, Diane Whatelely and Suzie McCheyne come to fruition through this invaluable partnership.

There is an undeniable role for business within communities, building a fairer society and a more sustainable future for us all, and it’s great to see the ScotRail Alliance, HMRC and Scottish Gas play such an active role in the development of Rail 74.”