A new independent report has confirmed ScotRail’s £4 billion contribution to Scotland’s economy, highlighting the publicly owned train operator’s key role in supporting jobs, regional growth, and the transition to a greener transport network.
The economic analysis, conducted by transport and infrastructure consultancy Steer, comes as ScotRail approaches the third anniversary of its return to public ownership. The findings paint a compelling picture of the operator’s value beyond the ticket office.
Key Figures at a Glance:
- £4 billion total economic impact
- 11,300 jobs supported across Scotland, both directly and indirectly
- £567 million spent by passengers supporting tourism, leisure, and hospitality sectors
- Over 1 billion car kilometres avoided, cutting more than 120,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually
Driving Scotland’s Economy, Connectivity and Green Future
The report reveals that ScotRail’s services are instrumental in linking cities, towns and rural communities, creating new employment and education opportunities, and driving investment across the country. It also underlines the environmental benefits of modal shift from car to rail.
Joanne Maguire, Managing Director of ScotRail, said:
“As we enter the fourth year of public ownership, this report underlines that ScotRail is not only delivering for passengers with higher ridership, increased revenue and strong satisfaction – we’re also delivering for the country with significant economic and social value.
Our £4 billion contribution shows how our reach goes far beyond transport. ScotRail is a vital economic engine, improving lives and supporting communities across Scotland.
We are committed to providing a safe, reliable, and sustainable railway that delivers real return on public investment from the Scottish Government.”
A Growing Workforce and Expanding Network
The report also highlights the impact of public ownership on ScotRail’s workforce and infrastructure. The train operator now employs 500 more staff than before the transfer to public ownership in 2022, with record numbers of train drivers being recruited and trained.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, commented:
“We are rightly proud of what ScotRail has achieved in public ownership. It’s delivering real benefits – not just in services, but in employment, sustainability, and opportunity.
We’ve seen new stations open at Inverness Airport, East Linton and Reston, along with the reopening of the Levenmouth line, bringing economic and social benefits to communities across the country.
Public ownership allows us to shape a railway that is affordable, accessible, and sustainable – and today’s report demonstrates exactly why that investment is worthwhile.”
More Than a Railway – A Public Asset
The findings come as ScotRail continues to focus on recovery, growth and innovation, with ongoing investment in electrification, new rolling stock, and expanded services.
This report reinforces ScotRail’s position not just as a transport operator, but as a key contributor to Scotland’s wider prosperity, helping to deliver Net Zero goals, secure employment, and regional development in every corner of the nation.
