Lib Dems reveal Scotland’s most overcrowded train journeys

Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Daniel O’Malley has urged the SNP Government to get serious about improving rail services and delivering for passengers after research by his party uncovered Scotland’s ten most overcrowded train journeys.

Figures uncovered by the Scottish Liberal Democrats reveal that Tweedbank to Edinburgh Waverley is the most overcrowded service on the ScotRail network, with the busiest times on Saturdays at 09:51 and 13:19 from Tweedbank, as well as Saturdays at 19:43 from Edinburgh Waverley.  At each of these times, the service was 45% above capacity.  

ScotRail also reported that the 07:38 Balloch to Airdrie service on Mondays to Fridays was at 35% above capacity.

Among the other most overcrowded services were those from Leven to Edinburgh Waverley and Glenrothes Thornton to Edinburgh Waverley.

Mr O’Malley said:

“Passengers are shelling out huge sums of money to travel by train, only to be squeezed under someone’s armpit once they’re on board.

“Routes in the Borders and Fife are particularly badly affected, with people packed onto services like sardines.

“The SNP government have been responsible for Scotland’s trains for almost three years. In that time, they have clobbered passengers with ticket hikes and done next to nothing to minimise disruption or overcrowding.  It’s a masterclass in how to make public transport as unattractive as possible.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats would deliver a public transport system that works for all communities, all ages and the climate. That’s why we want to see government working with councils to explore new lines, especially in areas where public transport links are poor, and new options for two/ three-day-a-week season tickets.”