Image source, bbc

Mr Hynes says Transport Scotland issued ScotRail with a remedial notice on Christmas Eve, due to problems in the east of Scotland.

Labour MSP Colin Smyth asks when the full franchise performance targets will be met.

Our aspiration is to meet the target of 92.5% as soon as possible, he replies, saying it could be 24 months before we do that.

Mr Hynes insists what Michael Matheson told MSPs yesterday in terms of meeting the targets was accurate.

Do you believe by April 2020 performance will have improved enough to meet contract obligations, asks Mr Rumbles.

Customers won't have to wait until next year for an improved services, replies Mr Hynes.

We expect to be out of breach level by May of next year, but not because it won't be fixed until then but because that is how annual targets work he adds.

Image source, bbbc

Mr Rumbles disputes Mr Hynes's analysis of the situation and adds it has gotten worse.

"I accept that we are not hitting our targets," replies the ScotRail Alliance managing director.

"We are working flat out to do so."

Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles welcomes the apology made by Mr Hynes.

But he highlights there have been two improvement plans before this remedial plan, altogether totaling 249 action points.

Why have they failed to deliver the improvements expected, Mr Rumbles asks.

Mr Hynes disagrees with the idea that the improvement plans have not worked.

He says the remedial plan is specifically about the number of cancellations experienced in east Scotland at the end of last year.

Underlying performance of Scotland's rail network is improving, Mr Hynes insists.

Mr Hynes accepts ScotRail needs to do much, much more to regain the trust of our customers, but we are moving in the right direction.

The ScotRail Alliance managing director says the train suppliers have let the company down and he also mentions the Scottish weather.

He argues changes coming will benefit Scotland.

"We are transforming Scotland's railway and I'm confident we'll get it right."

Image source, SNS/PA

ScotRail has unveiled a £18m plan to try and improve its performance for passengers - formally known as the ScotRail Remdial Plan.

Leasing three extra trains and hiring more staff - including 55 drivers and 30 conductors - is part of the bid to improve its service.

The plan was demanded by Scottish government after months of disruption to rail services.

The remedial strategy will also see information screens upgraded at 16 stations.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson told the chamber yesterday ScotRail could be stripped of its franchise if it fails to meet the targets in its remedial plan.

Staff shortages have caused the cancellation of thousands of ScotRail services since April last year.

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

ScotRail managing director Alex Hynes issues an apology to customers impacted by recent issues and he makes a commitment to doing better.

Mr Hynes highlights the additional £18m to be invested under the remedial plan, some of which will be used to increase the number of drivers, technicians and control room staff.

"There are some positive signs that performance is improving," with almost 90% of services meeting the punctuality target he insists.

The ScotRail MD adds that in the most recent four week period, more trains in Scotland ran on time than ever before.

Image source, bbc

Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, external convener Edward Mountain introduces:

• ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes
• ScotRail Alliance operations director David Simpson
• Network Rail Scotland chief operating officer Liam Sumpter

MSPs are to take evidence on the ScotRail remedial order from 10am.

The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, external will hear from:

• ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes
• ScotRail Alliance operations director David Simpson
• Network Rail Scotland chief operating officer Liam Sumpter

Image source, PA

MSPs will then quiz:

• Transport Secretary Michael Matheson
• Bill Reeve, director of rail at Transport Scotland
• Andrew Mackie, head of rail franchising at Transport Scotland

Read the committee papers here., external

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Wednesday 27 March 2019.

The Rural Economy Committee will hear from ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes, Network Rail Scotland chief operation officer Liam Sumpter and Transport Minister Michael Matheson.

Image source, Getty Images/Pa

At 1:30, the health secretary makes a statement on an infection incident at Royal Infirmary Edinburgh.

The Greens begin the first of their two debates by focusing on Europe, calling for the revocation of Article 50 or, failing that, a ‘People’s Vote’.

The second debate will be on tackling climate change, with Green MSPs reiterating their call for a Climate Emergency Change Bill.

SNP MSP and former health secretary Shona Robison will close proceeding by leading a member’s debate on the impact from celebrity endorsements of diet products, following the petition LET'S STOP influencers and celebrities working with products promoting speedy weight loss.