SCOTRAIL has been granted a year-long reprieve from meeting performance targets, a move Labour has branded as a “licence to fail.” This decision comes despite the rail operator recording some of its lowest performance levels in recent history. Newly uncovered details reveal that a ministerial waiver has been issued, allowing ScotRail to bypass key service standards. Critics argue this decision undermines accountability and leaves passengers bearing the brunt of continued disruptions.
The waiver, issued by the Scottish Government, permits ScotRail to operate without meeting the stringent targets set out in its franchise agreement. These targets include punctuality, reliability, and customer satisfaction metrics, all of which have seen significant declines in recent months. For instance, ScotRail’s on-time performance has fallen to just 83.6%, well below the 92.5% benchmark required under its contract.
Labour MSP Colin Smyth has been vocal in his criticism, stating that the SNP-led government is effectively “rewarding failure” by allowing ScotRail to operate without consequence. “This is a slap in the face for passengers who have endured delayed trains, cancellations, and overcrowded carriages,” Smyth said. “Instead of holding ScotRail to account, the government is giving them a free pass to continue providing subpar services.”
Transport experts have also weighed in on the controversy. Professor David Begg, a leading authority on public transport policy, noted that such waivers are rare and typically reserved for exceptional circumstances. “While there may be legitimate reasons for temporary flexibility, the danger is that it sets a precedent for lowering standards across the board,” he explained. “Passengers deserve clarity on when and how these targets will be reinstated.”
The Scottish Government defended the decision, citing “unprecedented challenges” faced by the rail industry, including the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing shortages. A spokesperson said: “This waiver is a pragmatic response to ensure ScotRail can focus on delivering essential services during a period of significant disruption. However, we remain committed to holding the operator to account and expect to see improvements in the coming months.”
For passengers, the situation has led to growing frustration. Regular commuter Sarah Thomson, who travels daily between Glasgow and Edinburgh, described the service as “unreliable and stressful.” “It’s not just about delays—it’s the lack of communication and the feeling that no one is listening,” she said. “If the government won’t enforce standards, who will?”
This development raises broader questions about the future of Scotland’s rail network. With ScotRail’s franchise due to expire in 2023, there are calls for a thorough review of the current model. Some advocates have suggested that bringing the service under public ownership could provide a more sustainable solution, ensuring greater accountability and investment in infrastructure.
For now, passengers are left wondering when—or if—they will see a return to the reliable service they were promised. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the impact of this decision will be felt far beyond the railway tracks, shaping public trust in Scotland’s transport system for years to come.
For more details, read the full report at The Herald Scotland.
