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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Abbie Meehan

Edinburgh train heading to Waverley crammed with no social distancing

A packed Scotrail train travelling to Edinburgh has been captured on camera by a concerned traveller.

The passenger posted the image online saying: "Took the train a few times in Scotland. Have to say very disappointed in the failed management. 5 out of 6 trains I took were delayed or cancelled.

"No contingencies planned so this is what happens in this Inverness to Edinburgh train: jammed packed people like sardines, people standing in isles, some with no mask and many coughing. No air flow.

"Has no one at scotrail realised the poor planning no longer creates just inconvenience, but a gross negligence and risk for public health?"

In the image, commuters can be seen standing close together with their masks at their chin checking their phones, and those seated had taken their masks off completely.


Earlier this year, we reported on a similar incident where a Scotrail passenger had branded the services as dangerous, as people crammed into another carriage on route to Edinburgh.

Travellers reported feeling ‘unsafe’ on services between Scotland’s two largest cities during July's sunny weather after it emerged express trains had been reduced to just three carriages each.

READ MORE - Edinburgh police hunt for man caught 'touching himself' on peak-time train

Left furious at the lack of safe distancing, the passenger had described the journey as "disgusting", and also commented that only around half of those on board were wearing a mask.

Responding to the complaints, ScotRail stated that all of their available carriages were in to help alleviate the problem, and emphasised their five rules for travel, one of which includes "don't board if you don't feel safe".

The travel operator has also encouraged passengers to avoid travel if they feel unwell and to avoid peak time services if and when possible.

On this occasion, Scotrail has declined to comment on the situation.

Advice from Transport Scotland warns trains may be operating at a “reduced capacity” due to physical distancing measures being in place, however there is no hardline rule for maximum capacity on services.

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