STEWART PATERSON

Political Correspondent

RUSH hour train services in Glasgow are the most overcrowded in Scotland a new report has revealed.

Of the ten most overcrowded train journeys in Scotland eight either start, end or go through busy Glasgow stations.

Passengers cram into trains, jammed into the vestibules and aisles with trains carrying dozens more passengers that the safe limits on the busiest stretches of the routes.

The Glasgow Central to Edinburgh via Shotts at 17.21 was the busiest in the country which has been recorded running at 146% capacity, including standing.

Other services include the Glasgow Central to East Kilbride 1701 service which has had 65 more passengers than the seated and standing capacity allows.

Two Neilston to Glasgow Central services and the Balloch to Airdrie between Anniesland and Queen Street and Dalmuir to Larkhall via Central are among the worst in Scotland.

The trains are full with every seat taken, a number of standing passengers allowed for and then dozens more crammed in.

Transport Scotland revealed the most overcrowded trains which Humza Yousaf, Transport minister said can be “uncomfortable” but opposition MSPs said are “alarming”.

The Central to East Kilbride 1701 service was busiest between Central and Pollokshaws west, at 135% of capacity.

The Neilston to Glasgow at 08.07 train was recorded at 130% capacity with 85 more passengers than it should have between Mount Florida and Glasgow.

Neil Bibby, Labour’s transport spokesman said: “This reveals the alarming scale of overcrowding on trains across Scotland.

“The fact that a train with room for 185 passengers, including those standing, can have 270 people on board is simply staggering. Passengers are fed up with overcrowded, delayed and expensive trains.

“When the SNP awarded the contract to run our railways to Abellio, SNP ministers said it was a ‘world leading’ deal. It is clearly nothing of the sort.”

Mr Yousaf, said the government was investing in public transport.

He said: “The Scottish Government is delivering the most ambitious programme of rail investment ever seen in Scotland, committing over £5 billion across the current funding period.

“We wholly appreciate busy trains can be uncomfortable and can assure passengers we are focussed on delivering the value for money service they both want and deserve.

“We will achieve this in the near future meanwhile this busiest trains information will help make informed journey planning choices simpler in the here and now.”