ScotRail shambles gives lie to the idea of a car-free future

Over recent years, we have been actively encouraged to increase our use of public transport.

Get out of the car, get on the bus on the bus, train, or bike instead – that has been the message.

We would all agree that in many cases, it makes sense. Less cars on the road means less congestion and, therefore, less pollution.

It’s just such a shame that a core part of our public transport network is currently providing such a shambolic service.

ScotRail, or ScotFail as it is now more commonly known, has over the last few weeks, shamelessly let down its customers.

Constant cancellations due to “crew shortages” have left folk stranded on platforms, late for work, or unable to find an easy way home.

Those customers, who spend a huge chunk of their monthly salaries on train fares, had been told recent issues were resolved.

How wrong that has proved with many adversely affected on Friday night and throughout this weekend.

It simply isn’t good enough. We need to see immediate action from ScotRail bosses and the Transport Minister to bring this sorry mess to a swift end.

They should be well aware that the railways face their busiest time of the year in the next few days as many people travel home for Christmas.

No one wants to hear of families unable to see their loves ones at this time of the year because the company couldn’t deliver on its promises.

During this mess, we’ve also heard some people argue that the service isn’t anywhere near as bad as in England.

That is not a defence. The company is called ScotRail and is there to deliver a service to those people living in Scotland, travelling through Scotland or doing business in Scotland.