Even more misery on Scotland's railways could be on the cards.
Workers have rejected a 5% pay offer in a move that could result in further strike action.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) voted against the ScotRail deal by 60% to 40%.
It is similar to a deal accepted by Aslef members in July, ending a dispute where hundreds of services were axed for almost two months.
Transport Scotland said the result was disappointing, describing the offer as "fair and affordable".
It said a continued strike would require timetable changes and cancellations of services.
A spokesperson said: "Any continued industrial action will undoubtedly have negative impacts on passengers which, in turn, has further implications for rail finances.
Disappointing outcome
"Despite this disappointing outcome, we are still very much committed to working with the RMT union to reach a mutually-favourable outcome to this dispute.
"We would urge all parties to get back round the table as soon as possible so that this can be resolved soonest for the benefit of staff, passengers and the economy."
The RMT union - whose members include ticket examiners, conductors and station staff - rejected the pay offer on Thursday.
RMT organiser Mick Hogg told the BBC he was meeting with ScotRail on Tuesday and, if an improved offer was not made, he would ballot members for strike action.
Last month, Aslef drivers accepted a similar deal, which meant they will get more money for rest-day and Sunday working, driving instructor and maternity pay along with a policy of no compulsory redundancies for the next five years. ScotRail said 2.2% of the increase would be funded by Transport Scotland with the remaining 2.8% coming from ScotRail's funds.
The train operator came back into public ownership for the first time in 25 years in April, after previous operator Abellio had its franchise ended early over criticism of the quality of the service.
A full rail timetable was only recently brought back.
Previous strikes
Just last week, RMT members at Network Rail took further strike action across Britain.
The north-east was particularly badly hit on Wednesday, July 27, as ScotRail as only ran five services - all of them in the central belt.
Firms, commuters and other travellers were left counting the cost of north-east trains coming to a halt for a second time in just a month.
North-east businesses were angry that ScotRail did not run any trains to or from the north-east last Wednesday.
The walkout by staff at Network Rail and 14 train-operating firms was part of a continuing row over pay, jobs, and terms and conditions.
The dispute does not involve ScotRail staff, but still meant a major reduction in its services.
Previous action by the RMT in June also left the north-east effectively cut off from rail services.