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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."