Inverness train halted at Perth due to ‘staff shortages’
ScotRail are describing as ‘minor disruption’ tonight’s delays on the Highland Main Line.
Pasengers trying to get to the strath and beyond from Glasgow are reportedly puttiing it somewhat differently after being led off the train at Perth.
“They have all been removed as there are simply not enough staff to continue with journey!” says Dalwhinnie Community Council chair Jen Dickinson.
“A friend who is coming up has told me that she has to wait in station until just after 9pm to get a next train which apparently will stop at Dalwhinnie at 2210hrs!
“They may have increased her timetable back to normal but they are unable to run the services passengers pay for!
“My friend is capable and mobile so it’s not the end of the world but if she was older, infirm or more this is just poor - on and off trains unnecessarily and waiting for an hour in the cold.
“She has however just arrived back from abroad - long haul - so is somewhat jet lagged and doesn’t need this, the UK and all its broken services!”
Ms Dickinson has just told the Strathy: “The next train is now delayed because driver needs a break due to this next train being delayed already too!”
She added: “Apparently it’s all very embarrassing! I think as there were no seats folks have gone to seats in first class… they’ve been trying to move them out but the passengers stood their ground.
“The thing is I don’t think this is a rare event….”
A ScotRail spokesperson updated on three different services tonight.
The 17:26 Inverness to Glasgow Queen Street was undergoing minor disruption: “This is because of a shortage of train crew. Catering is not available throughout. Sorry, this train has fewer carriages than normal.”
The 17:33 Edinburgh to Inverness which was due into the Highland capital at 9.23pm: “A shortage of train crew. Sorry, this train has fewer carriages than normal.”
The 19:07 Glasgow Queen Street to Inverness due at 22:43: “This train will be terminated at Perth. It will no longer call at Dunkeld and Birnam, Pitlochry, Dalwhinnie, Kingussie, Aviemore and Inverness. This is because of a fault with the signalling system.”
More on this as details become clearer.
