Rail compensation as festive rush begins

The festive rush has begun in earnest

Around 4,500 rail passengers in Scotland are to get a week's free travel or their money back under a £20m compensation scheme.

News of the scheme was announced as Christmas travellers were being advised to plan and book their journeys' well in advance.

The compensation will be available to season ticket holders using trains in Fife, the Lothians, Central Scotland and the Glasgow-Edinburgh line.

The move follows delays and disruption as a result of speed restrictions imposed by Railtrack in mid-November, following the Hatfield rail crash.

The Edinburgh to Glasgow line has been badly hit

Passengers with monthly, quarterly, six-monthly and annual season tickets whose journeys were affected by the problems during that time will be compensated.

ScotRail said that while the bulk of its passengers affected by the disruption used the Edinburgh-Glasgow service, it was keen to ensure that others affected by speed restrictions and delays in other areas were not overlooked.

Alistair McPherson, ScotRail's managing director, said: "Technically speaking, there was no requirement for us to pay compensation on any service group within the relevant period.

"However, we appreciate that the service level on the Edinburgh-Glasgow line has gone back to what it was in mid-1999 with extended journey times.

"We know that East and Central passengers have been suffering delays too so that's why we've put together this package."

'Heavy traffic'

Meanwhile rail firms have joined bus companies, airlines, ferry companies and motoring organisations in urging the public to book tickets and plan journeys well in advance of travelling.

The reduction in rail services after the Hatfield crash has prompted many to look at other modes of transport.

More people were expected to use cars and buses over the festive period but the airlines appeared to be enjoying a boom with bookings up as much as 90%.

Ali Abassi: A tough time for the motorist

BBC Scotland's transport correspondent Ali Abassi said motorists would not have an easy time on the roads.

He said: "I think drivers can expect to encounter heavy traffic on all main routes around the country.

"Towns and cities around the country are going to be extremely busy this weekend with last minute Christmas shopping taking place, so use public transport wherever possible."

Book early

He advised all motorists: "Always take into account weather conditions and even when it's quiet give yourself plenty of extra time to travel."

ScotRail said it was running an amended timetable over the festive period and reminded passengers that services finish early on Christmas Eve and Hogmanay.

Some spaces were still available on sleeper services but passengers were advised to book early.

Rail services have been disrupted

Weather permitting, Scotland's ferries were expected to run as normal.

But Calmac's Mike Blair had some advice for passengers.

He said: "On our shorter crossings turn up in plenty of time for the sailing that you wish to make.

"For our longer haul crossings I would certainly advise reservation."

Lack of confidence in the rail network has prompted many passengers to opt for long haul bus routes and airlines.

In recent weeks bookings were reported to have soared and British Airways said most of its flights were now over 90% full.

Stagecoach, National Express and other major bus firms have all been reporting high bookings for city services before and after Christmas.