PHOTOS of packed trains and buses in Scotland emerged this morning as transport services moved to a reduced timetable in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

ScotRail reduced the number of available services this morning to prioritise key frontline workers, and said change was necessary as staff self-isolated.

However, photos published on social media this morning reveal overloaded trains with passengers in extremely close proximity to one another at a time when social distancing is necessary to comabt the coronavirus.

ScotRail's Twitter account was bombarded with messages as it became clear that decisions around reduced timetables had made social distancing impossible.

Kevin Hughes, a department manager at a supermarket, was travelling from Motherwell to Dalmuir at 6.44am and was shocked to see cramped conditions on his train.

“Personally I just don’t understand the logic behind it,” he told STV. “Surely the trains should be more frequent, so fewer passengers are spread across more trains.

“Also train times for old schedule are still live both on websites and train platform monitors.

“It’s very confusing when you’re a key worker trying to manage your schedule to get to and from work.”

David Simpson, ScotRail operations director, previously said: “We are facing an unprecedented challenge on Scotland’s railway and the revised timetable will help to provide a critical service for the key workers across the country.

“Our own people are absolutely committed and are working flat out on the frontline to help keep the country moving, while also keeping themselves and customers safe.

“The railway has an important role to play during this crisis and we will work closely with the Scottish Government to do all we can as the situation develops.”

The situation was not restricted to trains either. One image posted online showed a packed X25 Stagecoach bus from Cumbernauld to Glasgow at 7.32am.