Rail shock
Dad and kids booted off train over £50 note
A furious dad has blasted Scotrail after staff booted him and his two kids off the train – because the conductor did not have enough change to accept their notes.
Chris McCartney, who stays in Rutherglen, was told to get off at Motherwell after a trip to the Time Capsule.
A furious dad has blasted ScotRail after staff booted him and his two kids off the train - because the conductor did not have enough change to accept their notes.
Chris McCartney, who stays in Rutherglen, was travelling with his partner and their two children, Connor, 12, and Declan, eight, on the way back from a day trip to the Time Capsule leisure centre in Coatbridge.
Chris had not purchased his tickets before getting on the train, but was ready to pay when the train’s conductor approached him.
However, when Chris went to use a £50 note, he was told by the inspector that he did not have any change, and he could not give them their tickets.
He then demanded the family leave the train at the next stop, which was Motherwell.
They then had a 40- minute wait before the next service to Rutherglen, leaving his kids upset.
ScotRail are now investigating the incident.
Chris said: “It doesn’t matter what the job is, there’s no way he should have had the cheek and attitude toward us that he did, especially when there’s children there.
“The £50 note is legal tender and it’s not my fault that he didn’t have any change for it.
“I said that after another couple of stops maybe he’d have more change, but he just kept saying that we needed to get off.
“The kids were enjoying themselves after a good day out and it ruined their day - they were both embarrassed and my eight year old was really upset, he didn’t understand why we were being made to get off the train.”
The Reformer understands ticket conductors have a number of options open to them if they are short of change and should never ask passengers to leave a train in those circumstances. Staff can return later in the journey once they have more change or they can issue a ticket and send a bill to the customer. However, passengers are encouraged to buy before they board services.
A ScotRail spokeswoman said: “We welcome Mr McCartney’s feedback about his experience regarding attempting to buy his ticket on-train and are currently investigating his complaint received through our customer service team.”
My kids were both embarrassed