Mark Ilderton, Service Delivery Director at ScotRail, delivered a compelling keynote speech at the very first TransCityRail Scotland, outlining a transformative vision for Scotland’s railways.
Speaking to delegates at Murrayfield Stadium, Ilderton highlighted ScotRail’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability across the country.
With Scotland’s rail network spanning nearly 3,000 kilometres and serving 359 stations, Mark underscored the sector’s economic significance, as well as addressing the evolving expectations of passengers. Ilderton also showcased ScotRail’s investment in advanced decision support tools designed to improve maintenance efficiency and reduce service disruptions.
Commenting on how customer expectations have changed, he said:
“The world has advanced in so many ways over recent decades and there's now such a vast array of technology which helps make everyday life so much easier. But these advances mean that passengers are expecting more and more from us – for information to be delivered more quickly, for decisions to be taken more strategically, and for disruption to be minimal.”
Climate resilience was another key theme, with Mark detailing ScotRail’s use of specialist meteorologists and real-time weather data to mitigate the impact of extreme conditions, particularly during Scotland’s challenging autumn and winter seasons.
Looking ahead, Ilderton also announced plans to replace the ageing HST fleet with a modern, environmentally friendly rolling stock, backed by Scottish Government funding. This move is expected to enhance passenger experience, improve reliability, and support Scotland’s net-zero ambitions.
