Trains between Tweedbank and Edinburgh 'most overcrowded on ScotRail network'
Last updated 7th Feb 2025
Trains on the Borders Railway are the most overcrowded on the ScotRail network - with passengers packed on to some services "like sardines".
That's according to figures released in a Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
It reveals the busiest services were the 9.51am and 1.19pm trains from Tweedbank on Saturdays, as well as the 7.43pm from Edinburgh Waverley later that day.
At each of these times, the service was reported to be 45 per cent above capacity.
LibDem transport spokesperson Daniel O’Malley is challenging the SNP-led Scottish Government to do better.
“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," he said.
“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.”
It supports the case for completing the Borders Railway from the current rail terminus in Tweedbank - on to Hawick, Newcastleton and Carlisle.
The start of work on a feasibility has been held up after the new Labour government at Westminster announced a review of all transport projects after winning office last year.
Scottish secretary Ian Murray has since said his party IS committed to the funding of a study into the feasibility of extending the Borders Railway. And that the updated business case has been submitted to the Department of Transport.
ScotRail blames - at least in part - an increase in the number of trains needing repaired, due to falling leaves causing slippery conditions on the line, for the overcrowding.
Mark Ilderton, the train operator's Service Delivery Director, said: “We know that one of our customers biggest concerns is busy trains, and we’re sorry to customers for any disruption they’ve experienced.
“When faults occur and trains require maintenance, it can result in some trains operating with fewer carriages than planned. This is the preferred option, rather than cancelling a service completely.
“We’ve been working hard to get trains back in service as quickly as possible, and deliver the level of service our customers expect.”
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