ScotRail has delivered a £4 billion boost to Scotland’s economy, according to a new independent report released just ahead of its third anniversary in public ownership.
The economic analysis by consultancy firm Steer reveals the train operator supports over 11,000 jobs across the country, both directly and indirectly.
This landmark contribution comes not only from railway operations but also from the ripple effect of passenger spending in Scotland’s tourism, hospitality, and leisure sectors.
Passengers using ScotRail services are estimated to inject around £567 million into local businesses as part of their journeys.
The report highlights that the environmental benefits are equally significant, with over one billion car kilometres avoided each year thanks to people choosing trains over road travel.
That shift translates to a saving of more than 120,000 tonnes of road-related carbon emissions annually, contributing directly to Scotland’s green ambitions.
ScotRail’s Managing Director Joanne Maguire said the findings show that the service is doing far more than moving people from place to place.
She pointed to rising passenger numbers, increased revenue, and growing customer satisfaction as proof that public ownership is paying off.
Maguire called the £4 billion impact a clear sign that ScotRail’s reach is felt deeply in communities across the country.
She said the aim of the report is to help people understand that the railway is delivering value beyond transport, making a real difference to Scotland’s economic and social wellbeing.
The report also credits investment from the Scottish Government, including infrastructure spending through Network Rail, for enabling this positive return.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, praised the railway’s public ownership model and its impact on accessibility, affordability, and sustainability.
She pointed to the reopening of the Levenmouth Line and new stations at Inverness Airport, East Linton, and Reston as examples of progress.
These new connections are already creating opportunities in education, employment, and tourism for communities both urban and rural.
Hyslop also noted that ScotRail now employs 500 more people than it did prior to nationalisation, many of whom benefit from secure jobs and a real living wage.
She confirmed that driver recruitment is at a record high, reducing reliance on overtime and improving work-life balance across the network.
The report’s release reinforces the government’s long-term aim of building a railway that truly serves the people of Scotland.
With strong economic performance, environmental benefits, and a growing workforce, ScotRail’s return to public hands is shaping up to be a journey worth taking.
