ScotRail records busiest December since return to public ownership

ScotRail has reported its busiest December since returning to public ownership, with more than 7.8 million passenger journeys recorded across Scotland’s Railway during December 2025.

A total of 7,866,187 journeys were made during the month, marking an increase of 701,910 journeys, or 10 per cent, compared with December 2024. The figure also represents a 69 per cent rise on December 2022, when passenger numbers stood at 4,646,072.

The strong performance followed a series of record-breaking days in the run-up to and over the festive period. Among them was the busiest Boxing Day since public ownership began, when 97,877 passenger journeys were logged.

ScotRail said the growth reflected high demand for rail travel during the Christmas period, with customers travelling for work, shopping, social events and to visit friends and family. The operator also pointed to additional services introduced over the period as a contributing factor.

To accommodate the surge in demand, longer trains and extra late-night services were run on key routes, adding thousands of extra seats. For the first time, Boxing Day services were also introduced to and from Aberdeen, expanding travel options for passengers.

Operational performance also improved during the festive period. Between 7 December 2025 and 3 January 2026, ScotRail recorded its best December for punctuality and reliability since public ownership began, with 88.5 per cent of trains meeting their punctuality target. This compares with 79.2 per cent in 2022/23 and was credited with helping boost passenger confidence during a traditionally challenging time for the network.

The increase in travel also builds on the permanent removal of peak fares across ScotRail services on 1 September 2025, a move described as a first anywhere in Britain. The change simplified fares and reduced the cost of many journeys by almost half, including travel between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

David Ross, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said:

“Recording our busiest December under public ownership is a significant milestone and shows how strongly customers continue to choose rail. The sustained growth we’ve seen throughout December, including multiple record-breaking days, reflects the hard work of our people right across the network in running longer trains, adding extra services, and supporting customers during a very busy period. With peak fares removed for good, rail offers a simple and affordable way to travel, whether it’s for work, leisure, shopping, or visiting friends and family. We’ll continue our focus on delivering the reliable services, value for money, and customer support people expect throughout 2026 and beyond.”

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said:

“These latest passenger figures, coupled with high satisfaction rates and staffing at an all-time high, demonstrate that ScotRail is thriving under public ownership. This Scottish Government’s decision to remove peak fares for good builds on these successes as we aim to make Scotland’s Railway a natural and affordable choice for new and existing passengers.”

Image: ScotRail