The Alliance agreement between ScotRail and Network Rail has been updated, and railway chiefs are hailing it as a ‘great opportunity’.

The original agreement dates back to 2015, when Abellio had the ScotRail franchise. This changed in 2020 as a result of the Covid pandemic, and was ended in 2022 when the Scottish Government used a ‘break point’ in the contract to terminate it.

As a result the former franchise was nationalised, while Network Rail passed wholly to the public sector in 2014 and is set to change again when Great British Railways takes over nearly all rail infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the new agreement sets out the priorities for investment by Network Rail Scotland, and several projects require closer working between the two bodies.

Work is also being carried out to identify specific areas where greater integration will provide a better service.

The outcome of this work will be reported to the Alliance Executive by the end of March 2025. Oversight will be provided by the Alliance Board, which consists of representatives from ScotRail, Network Rail, ScotRail’s owner Scottish Rail Holdings and Transport Scotland.

ScotRail managing director Joanne Maguire said: ‘The best way to deliver a safe, reliable, and green railway in Scotland is for ScotRail and Network Rail to work together as much as possible, while recognising that we remain two separate companies.

‘The signing of a strengthened Alliance Agreement is a great opportunity to work even more closely with Network Rail. We are committed to greater integration to ensure the best possible service for our passengers and freight customers.’

Network Rail Scotland managing director Liam Sumpter added: ‘Through taking more opportunities to work together and collaborate, we can continue to develop a safer and more reliable railway.’