ScotRail is cutting back its services during January as Covid-related absences are causing staff shortages.

       Absences have already led to some trains being cancelled in the run-up to Christmas and the rail operator has now altered its timetable between January 4 and 28.

       The changes mainly affect services which would normally run between Mondays and Friday in the central belt.

       Services are being withdrawn or amended from 12 routes at various times in the day.

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       Passengers have been asked to check the status of their journey before they head to the station.

       ScotRail operations director David Simpson said:？ “Like most businesses, ScotRail is not immune to the impact of coronavirus.

       “We’ve been？working flat out to run a safe and reliable railway in？really？difficult？and rapidly changing circumstances.

       “As we continue to battle against the impact of coronavirus, we want to provide customers with a level of certainty,？which is why we are introducing some temporary changes to our timetable from Tuesday, January 4 until Friday, January 28 2022.

       “We’ve？looked to spread these changes out across the day where possible to minimise the impact on our customers, but people？should plan ahead and continue to check the train times right up until they arrive at the station.

       “We urge anyone travelling？with us？to stay safe and continue to follow government guidance.

       “This includes maintaining good hand hygiene and wearing a face covering for your entire journey.”