Nationalised ScotRail shells out almost £650,0000 on delay repay payments in nine months

Speaking ahead of the one-year anniversary of ScotRail coming under public ownership this Saturday, Scottish Liberal Democrats have today revealed that in its first nine months of nationalisation the ScotRail franchise paid out almost £650,000 in delay repay payments.  

Passengers whose trains are delayed by more than half an hour are able to make delay repay claims.

Figures published by ScotRail now show that in the first nine months of the 2022/23 financial year, the total amount paid out was £647,077.71 for 38,592 different claims.  

Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Jill Reilly said:    

“Ministers are now directly responsible for the trains, but they seem to have lost all sense of direction.  

"Not only is that a source of huge frustration for commuters and holiday makers, but it's cost the public purse more than £600,000. And that’s just for those who have applied for a refund- there may be thousands more who have been similarly inconvenienced, but they’ve just not claimed.

“This SNP/Green Government must tell taxpayers how much money has been set aside to meet delay repay payments, and when they think they can bring the situation under control.    

“If we are to tempt people out of private cars, they need a reliable and frequent rail service. For the good of the planet, the Government needs to ensure that all services are up and running and trains are arriving on time.  

“Scottish Liberal Democrats are committed to delivering a public transport system that works for all communities, for all ages, and for the climate. That’s why we 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.

"There may not be a dedicated Transport Secretary in Humza Yousaf's cabinet but we will work with whoever takes on these responsibilities to make this a reality."