Further financial support for rail services

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure & Connectivity said:

“The Emergency Measures Agreements which were put in place in April, temporarily varied the franchise agreements in order to minimise disruption to rail passengers and employees during the Covid-19 outbreak.  These agreements are due to expire on 20 September.

“Following extensive discussions with our train operators we have put in place further Emergency Measures Agreements, which again will temporarily vary the ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper Franchises, from September to January 2021.  During this time the train operators will receive payments to cover operating costs, as necessary because of reduced revenues. Under the new EMAs the payment of any management fees to Abellio ScotRail or Serco Caledonian Sleeper will depend entirely upon achieving satisfactory performance metrics.

“Given the extremely challenging budgetary position and the current uncertainty as to consequentials from the UK Government, the agreements will be in place until January 2021. This will ensure rail services continue and also provide stability for employees, passengers and suppliers at a time of unprecedented uncertainty.

“We will commence discussions immediately with both operators to seek to agree a longer term plan for our contractual arrangements after January 2021.”