Highland politician concerned over possible 'Christmas travel spike' on trains
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ScotRail has defended its decision to cut a number of services after concerns were raised over social distancing during a potential "Christmas travel spike".
In a meeting with north politician Rhoda Grant, the rail operator insisted careful analysis of travel behaviour and demand predicted a quiet festive period for the trains.
Mrs Grant, a Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said she remained concerned that ScotRail was limiting the opportunities for people to travel by train at a time when many students will be returning home and people will be travelling to and from their families.
She said: “I told ScotRail it would be unacceptable if an unexpected Christmas travel spike forced passengers to put their health, and the health of others, at risk when travelling on their trains.
"They tried to assure me that all their predictions indicated the trains would not be busy and there would be plenty of space for people to socially distance.
"But there’s no immediate magic wand that can be waved if a train service is unexpectedly busy. Carriages won’t necessarily be on standby.
"I hope their analysis turns out to be correct and I’ll be watching how this unfolds.”
Mrs Grant called for talks with ScotRail after bosses last month confirmed cuts to some Highland railway services.
The train company has made what it stressed are "temporary" changes to some services in light of plunging passenger numbers following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mrs Grant added: “Any reduction in services is deeply disappointing. Although ScotRail has said these are temporary measures, given that they are being done to cuts costs and we are unlikely to see a significant rise in passenger numbers any time soon, I fear that these services will not be reinstated.”
Cuts to some Highland services were confirmed at the end of November ahead of the publication of the winter timetables.
A ScotRail spokesman said at the time: "Due to the unprecedented 85 per cent reduction in demand that we are seeing across the country, from our timetable change on December 13 we will be temporarily suspending a small number of services between Inverness and the central belt.
"With the low number of passengers travelling, it has been necessary for us to look at how we can maintain key services whilst also seeking best value for the Scottish taxpayers.
"Recognising the importance of public transport in connecting Scotland’s seven cities, we will operate nine services per day in each direction between Inverness and the central belt. The Sunday service is unaffected by these changes."
A number of services have been mothballed on the various Highland routes.
Trains between Inverness and Caithness/Sutherland, and between the Highland capital and Kyle of Lochalsh, are not affected – but some shorter commuter routes on the Kyle and far north lines are.
NHS Highland's director of public health, Dr Tim Allison, has warned that the safest approach is to spend Christmas with your own household, in your own home and in your own local area – and keep interaction with other households to a minimum.
