SNP transport minister Jenny Gilruth has insisted ScotRail services will "absolutely not" be reduced until summer 2023. The nationalised rail operator will cut around 700 services from Monday in response to train driver shortages caused by a disagreement with the union Aslef which has seen some drivers decline to work overtime or on rest days.
It is understood the temporary timetable could be in place for weeks and Gilruth was questioned on Friday about whether a quick resolution is possible.
Gilruth admitted on the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme that ScotRail is dependent on train drivers working on their rest days.
She was asked if the disruption can be temporary given ScotRail needs some 130 train drivers.Gilruth said 38 drivers are expected to be trained by the end of this summer, with the figure rising to 55 by the end of the year and to 100 by June 2023.The SNP minister was then asked if that means the reduced timetable will therefore be in place until the summer of next year.She said: "Absolutely not.
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