ScotRail’s top 10 busiest trains

To improve passenger experience, Transport Scotland has released a list of the busiest trains which not only shows the total number of passengers who use particular services, but also the points in the journey at which the train is at its busiest.

The data, which analysed passenger counts over the previous six months, lists the top 10 busiest services, the points along each route which are most affected and it gives information on the measures being taken to alleviate crowding such as when new rolling stock will come into service.

“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,” said Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands. “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.”

Improvements to capacity in rail services that have been implemented or will be implemented include:

• Refurbishment programmes across the ScotRail fleet
• 160 extra carriages introduced, with an extra 180 to follow in the next 24 months
• 50% more carriages in the near future than in 2007
• High speed trains to be introduced from 2018 and 40% more seats on Scottish inter-city routes than currently available
• Increasing seating capacity by 23% by 2019.

This data, which will be published annually on the Transport Scotland website, will enable ScotRail to best plan where to use its rolling stock, particularly during peak periods and allow passengers to choose an alternative service where available.

To view the full report, click here.