A WARNING has been issued to train travellers as services to and from Helensburgh are being halved in frequency today (Sunday, July 7).

Instead of the usual 30-minute timetable, there will be an hourly frequency on the line between Helensburgh Central and Edinburgh.

ScotRail says the disruption is the result of fewer train drivers than usual making themselves available to work overtime or on 'rest days'.

It comes after train drivers' union ASLEF advised in June that it was considering balloting its members working for ScotRail for industrial action in a dispute over pay.

A ScotRail spokesperson said: "Following a warning on June 24 from drivers’ trade union ASLEF that it may ballot for industrial action over pay, there has been an ongoing impact of fewer train drivers than normal being available for overtime or rest day working, as is their contractual right, resulting in service disruption.

"On Friday (July 5), ASLEF informed ScotRail that it would recommend a ballot of its members to its executive committee over pay."

Services are also being reduced in frequency on several other routes, including the Balloch-Motherwell, Milngavie-Larkhall and Glasgow Central-Motherwell lines.

There will also be disruption for customers travelling on other routes, with approximately one in four (25 per cent) of ScotRail services not expected to run.

ScotRail trains to and from Helensburgh Central are being disrupted today (Sunday, July 7)ScotRail trains to and from Helensburgh Central are being disrupted today (Sunday, July 7) (Image: Freelancer)

On the Helensburgh route, trains will depart Helensburgh at approximately 55 minutes past the hour, with the last service being the 2255 to Dalmuir.

The last train running through from Helensburgh Central to Glasgow tonight will be the 2055 service to Edinburgh.

In the opposite direction, trains to Helensburgh Central will depart Glasgow Queen Street low level at approximately 55 minutes past the hour, with the last service from Queen Street being at 2255 (this train is the 2140 departure from Edinburgh).

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused to our customers. We know how frustrating it is when cancellations occur.  

“We hope that these service alterations will give customers some certainty and reliability when planning their journeys.

"Customers should check their journey on our website and mobile app before they travel and should also bear in mind that services will be busier than usual. 

“We want to resolve the pay dispute  matter with trade unions and will remain fully committed to further discussions.” 

Services on the West Highland line via Helensburgh Upper, Garelochhead and Arrochar & Tarbet are not affected.

Full details on service disruption are available on the ScotRail page at JourneyCheck.com and via the ScotRail feed on X (formerly Twitter).