Boost for rail passengers as ScotRail adds more train services

ScotRail is adding more than 400 extra trains to its timetables next week.

The operator says passenger numbers are still "hugely down" on pre-pandemic levels - but it expects demand to rise as restrictions ease.

It will mean nearly 2,000 trains running each day - with the restoration of evening and late services, and additional peak services on some of the busiest routes.

Meanwhile passengers can also reserve a place on services until August 6 - with the exception of strike days and routes affected by engineering works - which will guarantee a place on the train, but not a specific seat number.

David Simpson, operations director, said: "Throughout the pandemic, Scotland’s Railway has been dedicated to making sure our customers, particularly key workers, travel as safely and comfortably as possible.

"Now we are seeing light at the end of this very long tunnel, it’s time to recognise that people will want to use trains more regularly, and our new timetable coming in on May 17 will reflect that.

"Although certain restrictions such as wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distancing of at least a metre will remain for now, it’s a first step in getting the rail network back to where we, and our paying customers, want it to be."