ScotRail sets new record for daily passenger journeys under public ownership
23rd December 2025
ScotRail has marked another record day for passenger journeys, with more than 350,000 trips made by customers on Saturday, 20 December 2025.
A total of 353,846 journeys were recorded, surpassing the previous record of 345,216 journeys set on Friday, 12 December and all previous daily totals since April 2022, and reflecting the growing demand for rail travel during the Christmas period.
Customers have been travelling in significant numbers for Christmas parties, markets, shopping trips, nights out, and to visit family and friends.
To support the busy Christmas season, ScotRail has been operating longer trains and adding late-night services on key routes, providing thousands of extra seats and more opportunities for customers to travel safely and sustainably throughout December.
The demand builds on continued growth following the removal of peak fares across ScotRail services on 1 September. The Scottish Government initiative - a first of its kind anywhere in Britain – has simplified fares, cut the cost of many journeys by almost 50 per cent, and encouraged more people to choose rail over the car.
David Ross, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said:
"This milestone is a fantastic reflection of how Scotland is choosing to travel, and we're delighted to see so many people making the most of the railway.
“Breaking the customer journeys record again shows the progress we’re making, and the confidence people have in using ScotRail. It demonstrates sustained demand for rail travel, and that we are providing good value for money and a service customers can rely on for work, leisure, and days and nights out.
“Our people right across the network are working hard to support customers during this busy Christmas period, with more seats on trains and additional late-night services helping people make the most of this busy time.
“We hope even more people will continue choosing to travel with ScotRail into the New Year and beyond."