The ScotRail Alliance is urging customers who use Carstairs stations to check their journey times before they travel, as engineering works are taking place over the bank holiday weekend.
Journey times will be extended as buses replace trains through Carstairs on 27 and 29 May. On Monday 29 May only, some services will start or terminate at Lanark, with connecting buses running between Carstairs and Lanark.
Replacement buses will depart Carstairs earlier than normal and arrive back later, so customers are being encouraged to plan ahead and check their journey plans on the ScotRail app or at scotrail.co.uk.
A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “These are vital works, and we appreciate our customers’ patience.”
• Expected lifespan increase of up to 25% for wheel bearings
• Algorithms monitor and calculate wear on bearings and railhead
• Class 334 fleet will all be fitted with sensors in 2017
Improving reliability and reducing time spent in maintenance depots for the ScotRail Alliance’s Class 334 fleet will be achieved with the fitting of wireless sensors to monitor wheels and wheel bearing condition.
Maintenance regulations require the Class 334 electric trains to have all wheel bearings replaced on hard time maintenance schedules every 600,000 miles whether they need the new parts or not. This means time out of service and sometimes unnecessary maintenance. The addition of this UK-developed system allows the continual monitoring of wheels, bearings and the track and should deliver a 25% increase in bearing lifespans, due to timely fault identification and monitoring.
Perpetuum wireless sensors use a patented ‘energy-harvester’ to provide readings to a centralised data concentrator. This information gives a real-time analysis of the wheel-rail interface showing if there’s bearing/wheel wear or some damage to the track that could impact on overall safety.
There are already over 10,000 of these sensors deployed by rail operators in England, the USA and Australia – with over 1.5 billion miles of ‘service experience’ to learn from – but the ScotRail fleet represents the first time Perpetuum has been used in Scotland.
Similar technology is already used in aviation for passenger aircraft where maintenance is ‘condition-based’ but its value in managing train fleets’ reliability and repairs is now becoming apparent.
The sensors are mounted onto the wheel bearing cover, where they capture data and transmit to a data concentrator. Algorithms calculate differences in the interface and this alerts the fleet manager when the train is ready for maintenance or of a potential fault developing.
Track officials can also see information which pinpoints changes in condition of the track, allowing prompt repair and subsequently lessening damage to the train wheels.
Three Class 334 trains were used in the Perpetuum pilot on the Scottish rail network, with the whole fleet scheduled for fitting in 2017. This is in addition to wifi equipment, which is now live across the 40-strong fleet and free to use for customers.
The ScotRail Alliance’s fleet director Angus Thom said: “Keeping our trains out on the tracks, delivering a safe and efficient rail service is essential to our operation. This technology helps our maintenance teams make informed and timely decisions around monitoring repairs and potential problems, so keeping our 334 fleet in optimal operating condition.”
Perpetuum’s chief executive Dr Steve Turley said: “If fleet managers know what condition a train is in they don’t spend time and budget putting it through an unnecessary upkeep and repair programme. ‘Condition-based’ maintenance means that trains spend more time on the track and improved customer service.”
For further information please contact ScotRail Alliance Comms on 0141 555 4105/4247 or email communications@scotrail.co.uk
Pictured above: A ScotRail class 334 train arrives at Bathgate station. (Please credit to the ScotRail Alliance).
ScotRail reaffirmed its commitment to making the railway accessible for all by recently helping deliver a training course at Milngavie station.
Students from Glasgow Caledonian University’s Graduate Diploma in Low Vision Rehabilitation put themselves in the shoes of someone who is visually impaired during the course, which took place on Wednesday 19 April 2017.
As part of an exercise to understand what a person with sight problems would experience, the students practised stepping on and off a train while visually impaired themselves.
By taking part, students were provided with the knowledge and experience to not only teach a visually impaired person the route to the railway station using a long-cane, but have the skills to familiarise the person with the main features of the station and train itself.
John Wilson, Community Liaison Executive for the ScotRail Alliance, said: “We’re committed to making the railway accessible for all and want to help build confidence in as many people as possible when using our services.
“Events like this are one way that we are supporting customers with visual impairment or restricted mobility.
“Over the past year our hard working staff have carried out 78,000 pre-booked passenger assists – making sure that people who need a bit of help to travel receive it.”
Alistair Smith, Lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “Visually impaired travellers can be apprehensive about using public transport – particularly when boarding and alighting trains.
“It is a Rehabilitation Workers job to develop their mobility skills so that they can use public transport independently and with confidence.
“This session allowed the students to develop their teaching skills so they are able to teach long-cane users to travel independently.”
The ScotRail Alliance is advising customers that services in the central belt on 12 and 13 May are expected to be very busy due to a number of special events taking place.
Friday 12 May
• Take That, SSE Hydro
• European rugby Challenge Cup final, BT Murrayfield
Saturday 13 May
• Take That, SSE Hydro
• European rugby Champions Cup final, BT Murrayfield
Services during the evening rush on Friday towards both Edinburgh and Glasgow will be much busier than normal. Fans are being encouraged to consider earlier trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow, or consider alternative routes via Bathgate, Shotts or Carstairs.
On Saturday 13 May, services towards Edinburgh and Glasgow are expected to get busier as the day progresses. Extra carriages will be added to trains all day on the Edinburgh – Falkirk High – Glasgow route, as well as on key services between Helensburgh, Milngavie and Edinburgh, and select services linking Glenrothes, Edinburgh, and Tweedbank.
Queuing systems will be in place on both days at Exhibition Centre and Haymarket. As with most special event trains, alcohol bans will be in place.
For service information, customers can use the ScotRail app or head to scotrail.co.uk
A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “There’s no doubt that trains are going to be very busy this Friday and Saturday. Please plan your journeys in advance, and consider taking an alternative route where possible to avoid the crowds.
“Please follow the instructions of staff to ensure that things go smoothly.”
ScotRail has confirmed it is adding extra carriages to key trains to help Aberdeen fans get to the Aberdeen V Celtic Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on 21 May.
Extra carriages will be added on what are predicted to be eight of the busiest services between Aberdeen and Glasgow. To avoid disappointment, the ScotRail Alliance is advising customers to book ahead and reserve seats for their journeys now, as queueing systems will be in operation and only fans with train reservations will be guaranteed boarding.
Those wishing to avoid the crowds may want to travel on the 0526 and 0634 departures from Aberdeen, although these are also expected to be much busier than usual.
As with all special event trains, alcohol bans will be in place and extra staff will be at key locations across the network to assist.
A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “We’re doing everything we can to make sure the Dons are well represented at Hampden. Please be on the ball and get to the station early, as trains will be extremely busy.
“To help things go smoothly, please plan ahead and follow instructions from staff.”
A spokesperson for Aberdeen Football Club said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership again with ScotRail in ensuring that as many of the Red Army as possible have a choice of transport mode that can get them to and from Hampden on the 27th May to enhance what is always a special day out for all the family and one that we have not been in a position to enjoy for 17 years.”
ScotRail have released the latest edition of their Business Travel Newsletter.
In it, ScotRail outlines an outstanding result in the month of March, their plans to create 100 new electric car charging spaces, details of a new charity partner and more.
To see the Business Travel Newsletter, click here.
The ScotRail Alliance is advising rugby fans heading by train to Murrayfield for the European Rugby Champions Cup Final on 13 May to plan their journey in advance.
To help ensure everyone gets to the game on time, passengers should allow extra time for travel – as well as purchasing tickets in advance. ScotRail will be adding carriages to services all day between Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street, and on key services to Tweedbank, Glenrothes, Helensburgh and Milngavie.
Customers should be aware queuing systems will be in place at Haymarket station after the match, and that the last trains of the night are expected to be busy. Where possible, fans should plan to catch an earlier train to avoid disappointment.
A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “It’s going to be a big weekend of rugby in the capital.
“We’ll be using every train at our disposal to add extra carriages to services towards Edinburgh, however, trains are expected to be very busy.
“Make sure to check your train times on our website or app and leave plenty of time for travel. Buying tickets in advance will also help reduce your queuing time.”
ScotRail will have extra staff on the ground to assist fans, and as with most large events alcohol bans will be in place.
A Glasgow man has won a five-star holiday to Dubai after entering a ScotRail competition earlier this year as part of its launch of the Smartcard Benefits scheme.
University of Strathclyde employee, Aidan Johnston (38) from Giffnock, was among the thousands of ScotRail Smartcard holders who entered the prize draw.
He will be jetting off with a friend from Glasgow to Dubai, where they’ll spend seven nights in a five-star hotel this June, courtesy of the ScotRail Alliance.
Aidan, a ScotRail Smartcard season ticket holder, said: “I’ve never been to Dubai but can see why so many people love the place – it seems to have everything. I’m really looking forward to soaking up the sun and just relaxing for seven days.
“I hate using paper tickets for anything and don’t like queuing so a Smartcard is perfect for me. It’s really easy to use and every month I just log in online to renew my Season Ticket.”
Cathy Craig, the ScotRail Alliance’s commercial director, said: “We launched the Smartcard Benefits scheme and this prize draw as we wanted to reward our most loyal customers, our season ticket holders, and raise awareness of the advantages of using a ScotRail Smartcard.
“Thanks to Barrhead Travel, who are a key partner in our Smartcard Benefits scheme, we’re able to send one lucky winner on the holiday of a lifetime.
“We hope Aidan has a tremendous time on this wonderful holiday and enjoys every minute of it.”
Smart ticketing technology is available across the ScotRail Alliance’s network with every route enabled for Single, Return and Season Tickets. Other products coming soon include the popular Flexipass.
Tickets for other travel providers – such as Glasgow Subway – can also be uploaded onto Smartcards, with bus companies and ferry operators scheduled to start providing integrated travel options soon.
With the support of leading brand partners, Smartcard holders who have registered through their MyScotRail account, can claim rewards from discounts on coffee and travel, to car hire and clothing.
Pictured above: ScotRail Alliance commercial director Cathy Craig and competition winner Aidan Johnston (both centre) in Glasgow Queen Street station, with ScotRail Alliance representatives.
