South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has said the Scottish Government must take responsibility for fixing the train “chaos” which we’re seeing across the south of Scotland.

ScotRail’s new timetable, which will see almost 700 fewer train services a day across Scotland, began on Monday as the deadlock over driver pay continues.

Drivers’ union Aslef has argued a 2.2% pay rise is not acceptable at a time of soaring inflation. Hundreds of trains have been cancelled since 8 May when many drivers opted not to work overtime.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “Just weeks after the Scottish Government took over ScotRail, it has already joined the long list of services bungled by the SNP Government.

“Services in our area are being plunged into chaos, workers are being treated with contempt, and passengers are being left in the lurch – but SNP Ministers are no-where to be seen.

“It is utterly shameless for ScotRail to try and pin the blame for their own failures on dedicated frontline workers.

“Rail workers have been going above and beyond to keep things running despite years of poor leadership and failed workforce planning – and in return the SNP and ScotRail are pointing the finger at them, while failing to advertise a single job.

“Public ownership was supposed to be a new start – but instead passengers are being left with higher fares, more cancellations, and the same old excuses.

“The SNP must take responsibility for fixing this mess – they have already cut services and failed to employ enough staff. It’s time for them to reverse their ScotRail cuts.”