Arctic conditions found on board the ‘Polar Express’
WITH its stunning picture postcard views it is renowned as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.
However, the train which serves the West Highland line is often so cold that frozen passengers have nicknamed it the “Polar Express”.
Travellers are now taking hot water bottles on board to help them endure the journey between Oban and Glasgow. John Gallacher, from Oban, who has experienced repeated temperature drops on the train over the years, said: “One time it was so cold that when I got off at Queen Street, in Glasgow, I couldn’t even speak to the people I had gone to see – my teeth were chattering, I was hypothermic; it was severe.
“Another time, it was snowing and there was no heating. You do really need a blanket and a hot water bottle.”
Lynne Murdoch, from Taynuilt, who was waiting to board the train at Oban on Saturday, said: “We travel quite a lot to Glasgow and on some occasions it has been freezing.
“One time me and my son were both freezing and staff told us to go to the other carriage because it was a bit warmer.”
The recent cold spell has prompted a flood of complaints on social media. Pat Tyrrell, from Oban, posted a comment on Facebook saying she was “almost hypothermic” on the journey to Glasgow and back on Wednesday, adding: “I shivered my way south. Never warmed up all day and then suffered same fate on route north. I will write to Scotrail to complain. At the very least they could offer blankets.”
When Ms Tyrrell asked other Facebook users if this was a common complaint Mogie Gallagher replied: “Last time I travelled on the 5.20am I took a hot water bottle. Thank goodness I did, it was bitter.”
A Scotrail spokesperson said trains on the route were being upgraded and this would include air conditioning for heating and cooling the train.