Abellio ScotRail

Abellio ScotRail was a Scottish passenger rail operating brand used by Abellio after it was awarded the ScotRail franchise. It replaced First ScotRail in 2015 and operated most passenger rail services in Scotland, covering intercity, regional and commuter routes under arrangements overseen by Transport Scotland. During its operating period, the business faced challenges involving service performance, industrial relations and changes in demand following the COVID-19 pandemic. The franchise arrangement ended in May 2022, when ScotRail services moved into a publicly controlled operating structure in Scotland. The ScotRail name continued, but Abellio ceased to be the operator. Abellio ScotRail should therefore be distinguished from the continuing ScotRail brand and service.

Abellio ScotRail was the operating brand used by Abellio for passenger rail services in Scotland. Abellio, a subsidiary of Nederlandse Spoorwegen, participated in the UK rail market through franchise arrangements. In 2015, it replaced FirstGroup's First ScotRail operation and began running the Scottish rail franchise under the ScotRail name; the term Abellio ScotRail was commonly used to identify the operating company behind that brand. During its tenure, Abellio ScotRail operated most passenger rail services in Scotland, including routes serving Glasgow, Edinburgh and other cities, as well as regional and commuter services. Its performance was governed by contractual requirements administered by Transport Scotland, covering areas such as timetables, reliability, rolling stock and passenger experience. The operation was affected by infrastructure constraints, industrial relations involving drivers and other employees, service reliability issues and the recovery of demand after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Abellio franchise arrangement ended in May 2022, when ScotRail services moved into a publicly controlled operating structure established by the Scottish Government. The ScotRail brand continued, but the Abellio ScotRail phase ended with the transfer of operations. Its historical significance lies in representing the period between First ScotRail's operation and the subsequent public control of ScotRail services.

• 2022

  End of franchise

  Abellio's ScotRail franchise arrangement ended, and rail passenger services moved into a publicly controlled operating structure in Scotland.

• 2015

  Replaced First ScotRail

  Abellio began operating the Scottish rail franchise network and provided passenger services under the ScotRail brand.

A public rail passenger transport operation brand serving Scottish residents, commuters, and visitors.

• Rail passenger transport · 2015

  ScotRail passenger services

  The core service operated by Abellio ScotRail, covering intercity, regional and commuter railway routes across Scotland for residents, commuters and visitors. It was delivered under the ScotRail brand and subject to franchise requirements administered by Transport Scotland.