The new bosses of the ScotRail franchise have pledged play a strategic role in contributing to the country's long-term success and "earn the faith" of users.
Dutch rail operator Abellio yesterday (wed) began its ten-year contract to run the nation's railways after taking over from FirstGroup.
It is giving away £1 million worth of tickets.
Abellio's plans for the future include brand new trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow offering faster journey times and more capacity and a fully refurbished, high quality intercity fleet serving Scotland's cities.
At a launch event atStirling station, Jeff Hoogesteger, chief executive officer of Abellio Group, said: "Abellio is proud to be serving Scotland and it is a privilege to be launching the new ScotRail from Stirling, at the heart of this magnificent country.
Describing it as a 'new chapter' in the network, he added: "As the new stewards of a vital part of Scotland's society and economy, we understand the responsibility given to us and will work every day to earn the faith that has been shown in us.
"The ball is now very firmly in Abellio's court and we have no higher priority than to bring our vision for ScotRail to life."
The company is also planning free travel for jobseekers attending up to two interviews a month and one month's free travel when they start work, and a nationwide smartcard.
Abellio UK managing director Dominic Booth said: "We are determined that ScotRail will now go beyond A-to-B and play a truly strategic role in the long-term success of the country.
"We will do so by providing jobs and support for small businesses in towns and cities across the country; by supporting and boosting Scotland's leisure and tourism industries."
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