Abellio ScotRail

Abellio ScotRail, operating services under the name ScotRail, is the national train operating company of Scotland, operated by Abellio, a subsidiary of Nederlandse Spoorwegen, which has been running the ScotRail franchise since 1 April 2015.

History

In November 2013, Transport Scotland announced that Abellio, Arriva, FirstGroup, MTR Corporation and National Express had been shortlisted to bid for the new ScotRail franchise. In October 2014, the franchise was awarded to Abellio. The franchise will operate for seven years with a three-year extension available contingent on performance criteria being met. Abellio began operating the franchise on 1 April 2015.

On 6 September 2015, Abellio ScotRail commenced operating services on the Borders Railway.

Services

Abellio ScotRail took over all of the services operated by First ScotRail on 1 April 2015, except for the Caledonian Sleeper services, which were transferred to a separate franchise operated by Serco.

The franchise agreement requires the introduction of 'Great Scottish Scenic Railway' trains on the West Highland, Far North, Kyle, Borders Railway and Glasgow South Western lines. Steam special services will also be promoted by Abellio ScotRail.