ScotRail faces severe cancellations as staff reject overtime

In Scotland, the performance of ScotRail has been declining, exacerbated by recent strikes and a shortage of drivers willing to work overtime. Reports indicate that the public performance measure (PPM) has worsened under the current state-owned management compared to previous private ownership. On a particular Sunday, the train network faced 19 cancellations due to the inability of drivers to work additional hours on their rest days, further complicated by adverse weather conditions. This pattern has persisted as recruitment efforts have failed to meet demand, and the company struggles to maintain service levels during the busy Christmas travel period. The impact of these issues is profound for passengers who are being advised to verify their travel plans given the likelihood of disruptions over the weekend. Officials have communicated expectations of a difficult service period, with many drivers unavailable due to the seasonal schedules, leaving the operator in a precarious position. This situation has also been echoed by operators in England, where similar staffing challenges and pay negotiations have affected train services. Despite ScotRail's efforts to alleviate the staffing crisis by hiring 160 new drivers—more than any other train company in the UK—the entrenched issue of driver availability remains unresolved. Many current drivers have opted to avoid overtime shifts following recent pay increases, leading to a situation where operational needs are not being met during peak travel times. The ongoing industrial action combined with a reluctance among staff to work beyond their scheduled hours is creating a perfect storm for the state-run operator. As Christmas approaches, the compounding pressures of inadequate staffing and increased demand are expected to result in further challenges. Campaigners for improved rail services have emphasized the need for more investment to avert a total service breakdown. The data reflects an alarming trend, suggesting that unless corrective measures are strategically implemented, ScotRail may continue to struggle with reliable service delivery, leaving passengers frustrated and seeking alternatives as travel disruptions become the norm rather than the exception.