First Group has been given an extension to keep running the Scot Rail franchise into 2015.
The franchise had been due to run out on November 9, 2014, but the Scottish government has now extended this to March 31, 2015.
Scot Rail, which operates services around Scotland, carries more than 81 million passengers per year.
First Group chief executive Tim O’Toole said: “Everyone at Scot Rail has worked tirelessly to deliver excellent service and improvements for customers.
“This is an exciting time for the railway in Scotland with new trains, stations and routes introduced since the start of the franchise. Our increasing number of passengers will see additional benefits up to and beyond Scotland's important year of 2014.”
Scotland will be hosting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in 2014.
Scot Rail is planning to introduce extra services between Glasgow and Aberdeen, as well as enhancing Aberdeen’s commuter services.
scotrail.co.uk