Ayrshire summer travel chaos eased as ScotRail timetable returns to normal

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Travel chaos in Ayrshire has been eased as ScotRail timetables return to normal from today.It marks the end of almost two months of reduced services as part of a temporary timetable due to a drivers' dispute over pay.Services have now reverted back to the May 2022 level of service after 700 journeys were slashed.Drivers' union ASLEF struck a deal with ScotRail chiefs voting to accept an improved pay offer.Trains were axed from May 23 when drivers stepped back from working overtime and on rest days.The rail operator took the decision to cut services in order to provide "certainty and reliability" as it admitted the Covid pandemic led to a shortage of new drivers, with current drivers rejecting a 2.2 per cent pay increase.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.It left some Ayrshire stations with no late-night services to and from Glasgow, with the last trains back to Ardrossan and Largs departing before 7pm.ScotRail say its planning staff have been working "flat out" to get services back up and running.Bosses have admitted there is a potential for knock-on disruption for services today as a result of the extreme heat on some routes – with potential damage to infrastructure and the possibility of trains being out of position.The rail operator also said it has been dealing with an increase in Covid-related absences following a surge in infections across the country.ScotR