Flagging down trains at request stops to cease in Scotland

THE practice at a number of Scotland’s request stops of holding out an arm to signal to the driver you wish to board the train looks set to be consigned to history. ScotRail is to introduce a new system whereby a button on the platform would be pressed and an indication would be transmitted to the driver to call at the request stop. A confirmation would show at the station. At present, drivers slow for request halts so they can stop if necessary. The new system should save fuel, reduce wear and tear on the brakes, and improve timekeeping. Trials are planned from the autumn on the Far North route between Inverness, Wick and Thurso where there are eight request stops. If successful, it could also be rolled out to the Oban, Fort William and Mallaig routes.