‘Miracle that no one was injured’ in train mayhem

TRANSPORT: Representatives hit out at ScotRail after overcrowding frenzy

The Fife-based leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats said it was “a miracle” nobody was injured following a chaotic night in the capital’s train stations.

Passengers reported “chaos” and “riot”-like conditions on Saturday evening, with people trying to get home to all corners of the country following a busy day at the Edinburgh Fringe festival.

This was coupled with more than 66,000 rugby fans vacating Murrayfield following Scotland’s 17-14 win over France.

ScotRail has promised a fullscale review into what happened at Edinburgh’s stations and on every overcrowded service.

It is understood more seats than ever had been put on by the country’s rail operator over the course of this year’s festival, but the demand had exceeded all estimates on Saturday night.

Customers who had bought tickets for train services were forced to turn back.

ScotRail themselves resorted to advising travellers to try to reach alternate transport while the chaos unfolded.

North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie said: “People in Fife are no strangers to train chaos but this takes the biscuit.

“It’s a miracle that no one was badly injured.

“Surely ScotRail can look ahead, see that events like the rugby and the festival are taking place and plan accordingly.”

Scottish Conservative transport spokesperson Jamie Green said: “Not for the first time, passengers have been subjected to overcrowded trains and delayed services.

“Given some witness accounts, it’s no wonder passengers were fearful for their safety.

“Nicola Sturgeon said it was the last chance saloon for ScotRail, but the SNP

“People in Fife are no strangers to train chaos but this takes the biscuit. MSP WILLIE RENNIE

have failed to get a grip on problems facing rail services.”

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “We are absolutely committed to providing our customers with the service they expect and deserve, and we do everything possible to keep them moving throughout the year.

“We are sorry to everyone who had to endure some unpleasant conditions both at Edinburgh Waverley station and on the trains themselves.

“We are now undertaking a full review of Saturday night’s events to find out exactly what went wrong, and learn any lessons to ensure we do better in future.

“Anyone delayed by 30 minutes or more can claim for money back via our Delay Repay Guarantee on our website or mobile app.”

Transport Scotland said: “Ministers are taking this very seriously and are clear that Saturday night’s incidents are unacceptable.”