The tracks are slippy
The train approaching Platform 2 will not be able to stop because .. Rail chiefs’ latest excuse for disruption
DOZENS of commuters were left stranded at a station when their train overshot the platform – because the tracks were slippy.
They were left fuming when the 6.32am service to Edinburgh flew past Rosyth yesterday morning.
And they were shocked when station staff told them slippery rails were to blame, causing the driver to misjudge his braking distance into the station.
Passenger Maureen Munro said: “After a series of cancellations due to signal cabling being repeatedly stolen and further delays and cancellations for unspecified reasons, my frustration has been replaced with concern when the 6.32am train was due to stop at Rosyth station, shot past the platform with a loud squealing, rattling noise as the brakes failed.”
Others took to social media to vent their frustration at ScotRail.
Ali Nisbet wrote: “@ScotRail disgusted at driver at Rosyth today, driving too fast to stop and shot beyond platform. Slippy, ticket lady said – too fast in fact.”
A spokesman for ScotRail confirmed initial investigations appeared to suggest slippery rails – a common occurrence in autumn – was to blame.
Leaves falling on to the lines cause a build-up of moisture forming on the tracks, potentially causing trains to skid and overshoot signals and platforms.
He added: “We are investigating this incident and apologise to customers at Rosyth for the inconvenience.”
Earlier this week, it was revealed ScotRail’s performance was impacted by an early “leaf fall” this autumn.
The company said half of this season’s leaves had fallen already. The data was worked out by counting samples on the ground in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Motherwell and Perth.
ScotRail have invested £2.6million in specialist trains to clear up leaves from lines.
David Dickson, ScotRail Alliance’s infrastructure director, said: “While often scoffed at as an ‘excuse’ for delays, leaves on the line are a big problem for the railway as they make rails dangerously slippy. We’re tackling the difficult conditions created by leaf fall every day just now.”