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the Press Release Index
24th January 2008
Concern Over Quality of
Train Services
North East MSP and Tory Transport Spokesman
Alex Johnstone has hit out following complaints made to him
by rail users who claim that overcrowded trains with dirty
toilets are now worse than ever.
Mr Johnstone said "I have received several
complaints from rail users, especially those who use the
East Coast line about overcrowding on trains which they have
described as being nothing short of chronic at times. Some
people have claimed that they have been forced to stand from
leaving Edinburgh, almost to Dundee, and that this is a
regular occurrence. On top of the overcrowding, passengers
often seem to endure the unpleasant smell of inadequate
toilet facilities."
"Quite rightly, more and more is being done
to encourage visitors to come and experience Scotland for
themselves, but the fact is that no matter how good other
aspects of their trip may be, a deeply unpleasant journey on
an overcrowded train can only leave them with an impression
of a third world public transport infrastructure and it is
unacceptable to think that this can be allowed to continue."
Mr Johnstone added "Increases in train fares
have far outstripped inflation, yet I believe that
passengers are clearly not receiving any increase in comfort
or standard of service. The bad experiences of commuters and
visitors makes a mockery of attempts by the Government to
get people out of their cars and onto public transport for
the sake of the environment, when the alternative can be
such an unpleasant experience at times."
In conclusion, Mr Johnstone said "I believe
that we urgently need to review how the quality of our
trains services are regulated, and where they do not come up
to scratch, then urgent action needs to be taken to remedy
it."
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