Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Abellio Scotrail/ Serco Caledonian Sleeper- Continuation of Emergency Measures Agreements
Letter to Convener from Graeme Dey, Minister for Transport, Scottish Government, 20 December 2021
Dear Convener,
Abellio Scotrail - Serco Caledonian Sleeper - Continuation of Emergency Measures Agreements (EMA's)
I am writing to update the committee on the assistance provided by the Scottish Government in order to keep rail services operating during a period of economic recovery.
The Emergency Measures Agreements (EMAs) were put in place from March to September 2021 and in September 2021, we extended those arrangements until 12 December 2021
Following discussions with Abellio ScotRail and Serco Caledonian Sleeper we plan to extend the EMAs currently in place for both franchises. They will be extended until the 27 February 2022. This will ensure rail services continue through this period and will provide stability for employees, passengers and suppliers.
There is no additional budget ask to the Scottish Government for this extension due to an increase in actual revenue compared to that forecast at the start of the financial year, which has reduced the level of additional support initially forecast.
Given the challenging budgetary position in 2021-22, the agreements have currently been agreed to be extended until 27 February 2022.
This continues the extraordinary level of financial support from the Scottish Government for the rail industry and its staff which has been maintained throughout the pandemic period.
Transport Scotland officials will continue to work with the rail industry during the coming months to understand the ongoing impact of the Covid 19 outbreak and the contractual arrangements required after February 2022.