TRAIN passengers using a key route into Glasgow could quit using the public transport due to severe overcrowding, experts warned today.

TRAIN passengers using a key route into Glasgow could quit using the public transport due to severe overcrowding, experts warned today.

Carriages on the East Kilbride to Glasgow line are 94% full during the morning rush hour and demand could soon outstrip capacity, according to a study.

Adding to the problem is the single line - which limits train numbers at peak times - between East Kilbride and Busby.

Officials in East Renfrewshire have highlighted overcrowding on the route as a major obstacle in the battle to tempt commuters out of their cars.

The council's local transport plan, published this week, raises concern that passengers in Busby, Clarkston, Giffnock and Thornliebank will suffer because of limited capacity.

The report states: "Overcrowding problems are worst on the East Kilbride line and services will come under further pressure in the future.

"Constraints apply to the trains themselves with limitations on platform lengths, rolling stock availability and the track capacity."

Councillor Alistair Watson, chairman of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, said: "Unless something is done to tackle this problem, we will drive people away from public transport.

"The East Kilbride line is a victim of its own success it's now a major commuter route.

"We plan to hold talks with Transport Scotland and the operator to see what can be done."

The service is half-hourly at most times but four trains run between 8am and 9am.

Giffnock, Busby and Thornliebank stations - all on the East Kilbride line - have seen a drop in the number of passengers recently with commuters citing overcrowding and security concerns for them ditching train travel.

The council's finalised transport plan aims to cut congestion and reduce carbon emissions.

Figures show 80% of homes in Newton Mearns, Giffnock and Clarkston have a car, with around 40% of residents owning two or more vehicles, the highest levels of car ownership in Scotland.

The report renews calls for a light tram system to be introduced, running from Newton Mearns to the city centre.