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.
Morning @NicolaSturgeon (@scotgov) I think it's time to shut down properly. Social distancing cant work when a morning commute with @ScotRail is like this. pic.twitter.com/H9yRbdS0Ik
— Scott Young (@Sc0ttY0ung) March 23, 2020
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.”
Crazy! This morning to Glasgow #COVIDー19 #scotrail pic.twitter.com/p4PeTWudY7
— Revive In 10 (@revivein10) March 23, 2020
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.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel