The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
A shocking way to treat the paying public
Sir, – I am pleased that The Courier recently printed the statistics regarding the grossly overcrowded trains that are currently being allowed to run on our Scottish railways (“Perth train service most overcrowded in country”, September 28).
The last time I was treated as a “sardine” by ScotRail on the 4.34pm train from Edinburgh to Ladybank, I had to stand for three-quarters of the journey, only getting a seat at Kirkcaldy.
No refund offered of course.
I am not a regular passenger but my heart goes out to those who are, for having to fight for a seat (that you have already paid for) cannot be a good way of ending your working day.
While trains are allowed to carry standing passengers (goodness knows why) the statistics show that many are seriously exceeding even legal capacity.
Our SNP Scottish Government must stop playing around with rail companies on this matter: the need for more rolling stock must have been seen years ago surely.
Season ticket holders obviously form the financial backbone for any rail company and they, at least, should be guaranteed a seat for each daily and clearly foreseen journey.
Also, heaven help us from the legal standpoint if an overcrowded train is ever in an accident.
If someone’s fourseater car hits a wall while carrying six people, both the police and the insurance company involved will be asking why.
Yes, rail chaos is real chaos.
Archibald A Lawrie. 5 Church Wynd, Kingskettle.