Twelve people inthe toilet
“It suggests the same ‘couldn’t care less’ attitude from the rail companies that we have put up with for years and it must stop now.”
A Scotrail Alliance spokesperson said: “We know how frustrating delays and cancellations can be for our customers.
“Skip-stopping is something that we only do when absolutely necessary to prevent further disruption across the network. We are very clear that it should always be a last resort.
“We do everything in our power to run our services as planned. However, on the occasions when we are unable to do this we aim to put things right.
“Anyone who arrives at their destination 30 minutes or more late is entitled to compensation under our Delay Repay scheme.”
Transport Scotland said issues surrounding overcrowding and service reliability are important to passengers across the country and that Scotrail fleet has introduced 160 new carriages since 2007, with a further 200 expected in the coming 15 months.
A spokesperson added: “Following the completion of the Stirling–Dunblane–Alloa electrification programme new electric Class 385 trains will be introduced from 2019, providing additional capacity.
“The independent Donavan review has looked closely at improvement on areas such as performance and skip-stopping.
“Once the findings of this are known the transport minister will take the opportunity to look at the recommended steps for improvement and how this information is made publicly available.” Rail travellers took to the Stirling Observer Facebook page to voice their thoughts on train services between Dunblane and Edinburgh.
Lucie Ainsworth said: “I have been commuting since October 2008. I can count on two hands when services ran on time, had enough seats or carriages.
“The late running of trains, cancellations, overcrowding and terminations in Stirling have a huge impact on me picking up my one-year-old at nursery.”
Kirsteen Scott posted: ”It’s an everyday occurrence. I used to get on at Haymarket and felt lucky to get a seat. I now get on at Edinburgh Park and feel lucky if I get on the train never mind a seat.
“Last few weeks were outrageous, so much so that I have driven everyday this week. I rely on an after school club for my two children, which shuts at 6pm. Being late because of the train has a real knock on and impacts family life.”
Paul Hamilton added: “I commute daily from Dunblane. I usually get a seat as I am first on the train however it is full by Linlithgow with standing only every day.
“On the way home getting on at Edinburgh park more than 50 per cent of the time I have to stand until Linlithgow before I get a seat. There have been a number of days when the train arrives at Edinburgh Park full with two carriages and I have not been able to get on the train.
“Quite regularly the Dunblane train terminates early at Stirling.”
Graeme Ross said: “A 4.36pm train to Dunblane cancelled followed by a two carriage train. By Edinburgh Park the train was full, but still many forced in. There were 12 people in the toilet.”