ScotRail has announced that it has received a major boost as emergency funding from the Scottish Government has been extended.

The Emergency Measures Agreement, or EMA, was introduced in April 2020 after the coronavirus lockdown saw 95% fewer passengers travel on ScotRail‘s network.

The Scottish Government and ScotRail reached a six-month agreement for funding which allowed the train operator to continue providing services for key worker.s

Unlike other operators across the world, ScotRail has not furloughed a single member of its 5,200 workforce.

Additionally, there have been no changes in wages or to the Ts and Cs for staff.

The original agreement was due to expire on Sunday 20th September 2020, but this has now been extended until the 10th January 2021.

This extension was necessary as ScotRail’s passenger numbers are still around 70% down on last year due to the COVID restrictions still in place. However, ScotRail is now back to pre-COVID levels of train service timetable.

Alex White, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said: “Extending this essential government support scheme is a major boost for ScotRail staff, who have worked tirelessly to keep people moving during the recent critical months. The level of job security provided to ScotRail staff means we can continue to deliver a vital service for those tackling the pandemic and support the economic recovery.

“We’ll continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to secure a longer-term agreement that provides further job security for our staff, value for money for the taxpayer, and a safe and reliable service for our customers.”

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, and Connectivity said: “Following extensive discussions with Abellio ScotRail and Serco Caledonian Sleeper we have put in place these further Emergency Measures Agreements to cover operating costs because of severely reduced revenues.

“Given the extremely challenging budgetary position and the current uncertainty as to consequentials from the UK Government, the agreements will be in place until January 2021. This will ensure rail services continue and provide stability for employees, passengers and suppliers at a time of unprecedented uncertainty.

“We will commence discussions immediately with both operators to seek to agree a longer-term plan for our contractual arrangements after January 2021.”

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