Three years since ScotRail was brought back into public hands, a new report confirms it has delivered a major economic uplift.
Scotland’s publicly owned rail service has generated a £4 billion impact on the national economy.
The report highlights a surge in passenger journeys and growing revenue since the move to public ownership.
It estimates ScotRail now supports 11,300 jobs across the country, directly and indirectly.
This includes roles across operations, supply chains, and wider economic activity enabled by reliable rail transport.
Performance on punctuality and reliability has also remained consistently above the Great Britain average.
Passenger satisfaction has similarly outpaced the UK-wide figures since ScotRail’s transition to public ownership.
SNP MSP Kevin Stewart hailed the results as proof that the investment is paying off.
He described the £4 billion economic benefit in a single year as a clear return on Scotland’s commitment to its railways.
Stewart also pointed to the rise in both passengers and revenue as signs of a healthy, growing network.
He said Scotland’s model was “admired and envied” across the UK, with Wales and parts of England looking to follow suit.
The report underlines the strategic importance of a publicly run ScotRail in driving Scotland’s green and inclusive economic future.
It shows how an efficient, responsive rail system supports jobs, reduces emissions, and connects communities.
ScotRail’s focus under public ownership has been on affordability, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
With fares frozen and new investment in trains and infrastructure, passengers are seeing tangible improvements.
Public confidence in rail has risen with improved service levels and clear government accountability.
The Scottish Government continues to prioritise the railway as a national asset for economic and social good.
This milestone report arrives as Scotland faces key transport and climate decisions over the next decade.
Ministers say further reform and investment can build on ScotRail’s progress and deliver even more for communities.
Union leaders and passenger groups have welcomed the data as proof that public control works.
They argue it shows what’s possible when services are run for people, not profit.
The report offers a strong foundation for the future of rail in Scotland – one shaped by public need and national ambition.
ScotRail’s success is fuelling calls to expand public ownership across more of Scotland’s transport network.
With three years behind it, the publicly owned ScotRail is proving not just viable, but valuable.
