Minister slams ScotRail chiefs

SCOTRAIL bosses were yesterday attacked by the Transport Secretary after they caused major disruption by cancelling services for staff training.

Commuters are facing a week of rail chaos with cancellations and delays due to ‘crew shortages’.

Bosses admitted staff were taken off services for training ahead of the introduction of a new timetable this Sunday, which will also see the arrival of Hitachi Class 385 trains. Staff shortages have been exacerbated by an overtime ban by transport union RMT.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson yesterday described the move as ‘unacceptable’.

MSPs from all parties told him they had been contacted by angry constituents following the cancellations, which started on Sunday and left many passengers running late or forced to make alternative arrangements.

Speaking at Holyrood, Mr Matheson said he was due to meet ScotRail boss Alex Hynes, adding: ‘Performance is not where it should be, and I raise that matter regularly with Alex Hynes.

‘It is disappointing that passengers are bearing the brunt of the late arrival of the new trains and the knock-on impact on training schedules, and the situation is exacerbated by the industrial dispute.’

A ScotRail spokesman said: ‘We’re sorry to customers who have experienced disruption to their journey.’