Nationalised ScotRail has already spent £330k on rail replacement taxis

Scottish Liberal Democrats have today revealed that more than £330,000 has been spent on taxis to replace cancelled rail services since ScotRail was taken into government hands in April 2022. 

Freedom of information requests submitted by Scottish Liberal Democrats to ScotRail revealed that the total amount paid to private taxi and hire vehicle services for replacing a cancelled rail service between April 2022 and September 2023 was £331,061.

The single most expensive journey was a fare of £798.30 from Wick to Inverness calling at all stops in between by an 8-seater taxi. The operator also highlighted a journey from Inverness Station to Forsinard via Wick then Thurso which cost £549.94. The highest fare since March 2023 was from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William and back taking passengers in both directions. The cost of this was £666.36. 

Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Jill Reilly said:     

“This is money that should be available for updating trains, carriages and stations, giving hardworking commuters and rail users the quality service they need. Instead rail users will fear bank-busting fare hikes in January. The trialled abolition of peak fares will never achieve its goals if ministers simply give with one hand and take with the other.

“Ministers repeatedly stressed that nationalising ScotRail would improve accountability. If that’s the case then ministers need to explain why so much money is being wasted. 

“The Scottish Government must work with ScotRail to cut down their reliance on expensive and inefficient replacement transport services and deliver the rail service that taxpayers and travellers pay for.   

“Scottish Liberal Democrats want to see fares cut, new options for two/three-day a week season tickets and for the government to work with councils to explore new lines, particularly in areas where public transport links are poor.”