IT was the day ScotRail went Dutch - and one tweet, posted at lunchtime, got to the point.

 

"So weird seeing all the Abellio signs on the train rather than First," wrote Mark, a student at Strathclyde University.

He was right. ScotRail passengers were yesterday greeted by signs on the doors of their usual trains that read: "ScotRail is operated by Abellio."

It will take a while before the name becomes as familiar to commuters as that of First Group, which used to run the £2.5bn franchise.

The process began yesterday, when the Dutch group took over the running of Scotland's trains.

The railway station at Stirling was chosen as the venue for the high-profile launch - red carpet, piper, drummers and all. Members of the media mingled with rail executives and other guests. Commuters gazed at the unusual sight and wondered what was going on.

Jeff Hoogesteger, CEO of the Abellio Group, addressed a crowded press conference and outlined some of his plans for the franchise - major infrastructure investments, integrated transport schemes and a new intercity service linking Scotland's seven cities.

Work has begun on a Scottish nationwide smartcard serving an integrated network.

The new boss referred to the 70 state-of-the-art trains that Hitachi will build for the network. He presented a model of the train to transport minister, Derek Mackay, quipping that the real thing "will be more substantial."

Two dozen of the new trains will be running by December 2017, with the other 48 in operation by December of the following year.

"This will ensure that the full benefits of the Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme are realised for passengers," he added - "faster journey times, greater capacity and higher service quality."

As from now, jobseekers can claim two free tickets a month to allow them to travel to interviews - and one month's free travel once they start work.

Next month will see the launch of ScotRail's new tourist project, Mr Hoogesteger went on. The Great Scenic Railway Journeys of Scotland will promote tourism on the country's five most scenic lines to visitors from across the world, and prepare the way for September's launch of the Borders Railway.

Steam services will not just between Edinburgh and the Borders but on the five scenic routes as well.

Mr Hoogesteger also outlined a strategic alliance with Network Rail by the year's end, as well as a £1m local engagement programme.

"Under Abellio, ScotRail is no longer just a train operating company but a true passenger-focused company," he added. It would play a key role in the long-term development of Scotland - and would become an "exemplar" in the rail industry.

SCOTRAIL staff will have to wait a while before getting their hands on the new uniforms.

They were told recently by Abellio to snip off their old logos from their existing uniforms.

But rail unions reportedly said that their members would refuse to take scissors to their clothes or to turn their hats from back to front.

Mr Hoogesteger said: "In November 2015 we will start the distribution of new uniforms to all our staff.

"I am the first to admit that asking staff to snip off and cover up the old branding is not ideal.

"However, I was not prepared to order 4,000 new uniforms without full consultation with the staff on the design and suitability.

"Their views, for us, are critical, and we would like to include our staff in these decisions."

Frontline staff will be given smart devices "to improve information flow to themselves and to passengers."

ABELLIO'S £1m off-peak ticket giveaway attracted a mixed response on social media yesterday.

A couple of people told the Evening Times' Facebook page that they had got error messages when they tried to log onto the ScotRail website.

"The links keep saying error," wrote Angelo Barbi.

"Tried every route and date from Glasgow, not available," complained Anne Marie Lockhart.

But Helen Earl wrote: "Got a free trip to Broughty Ferry - well chuffed."

One man tweeted: "@ScotRail ticket giveaway/datamining exercise nice idea.Sadly not so hot in practice. Vouchers invert stations of travel or don't email."

A message went up on the ScotRail website saying demand "has been very very high" and advising: "Tickets are limited on the available routes and going so fast so you may find you can't get the route you want or they are all gone. But please try!"