I really find this a concerning precedent from Scotrail, to the extent I'm no longer planning to use the train for winter visits. It's simply too unreliable to be relied upon.
To add context: I work on the railway as a driver. I often visit Scotland for winter mountaineering (and am well aware of how exciting the Scottish weather can get). I've predominantly used the train for the last decade. I benefit from the substantial discounts rail staff receive.
I find this (repeated) approach to, what previously have been relatively commonplace winter weather warnings, troubling for two reasons.
1. Trains are being unnecessarily cancelled at very short notice
2. The way Scotrail are doing it means there is no obligation to keep customers moving
It means that my contribution (albeit discounted) to Scotrails farebox, will be gone. There must be many, many members of the public thinking the same thing, given the prices charged. The real kick in the teeth is the second point. At 24 hours notice, Scotrail can essentially say "not our problem mate", which is less than ideal, if I'm in Fort William and need to get back to Central England for a shift the following day, It's simply too unreliable to use the service.
I'd understand and sympathise with a forecast as is for Friday, but even then, I would argue some attempt at a service and an attempt to deliver for customers should be made. Failing this, TOCs should be obliged to deliver the conditions of carriage for those who have no choice but to travel - even if this is in terms of provision of a hotel for the night (as would be the case for an airline), even if notice is given.
Personally, I have, been working (yet again) in an amber warning area today. There was some disruption and some lines were closed, but for a good many customers, we delivered and enabled them to go about their lives. Interestingly, we don't even have blanket ESRs in my area this evening.
I understand some people would prefer a "no risk" approach, but if this is going to be the new normal, the railway needs to re-asses its obligations to it's customers, and, it's fundamental business ideals. Are we simply a luxury for the days it's convenient to run, or is our industry a national service that can be relied upon (or, atleast do the right thing by our customers when we can't)?
For the duration of my career so far, I've felt the later - perhaps I'm wrong.
