The packed state of some commuter trains running between Fife and Edinburgh is causing a “significant hazard” for passengers, it has been claimed.
Fife councillor and chairwoman of the Cupar Futures Group Margaret Kennedy hit out following the axing of a key morning service.
Speaking after a meeting of the newly formed Cupar Railway Station Users Group, she pointed out the town had seen a significant increase in its commuting population in recent years.
“The usage of trains running between 6.30am and 8am by those travelling to Edinburgh, and sometimes beyond, provides ample evidence,” she said.
“Many people will also use the Edinburgh service to access onward trains to Glasgow, as this is much cheaper and quicker than using the Dundee/Glasgow line.”
The councillor said it had been frustrating to see the “well used” 7.55am service cut.
“The situation has been compounded by the fact that other services are already heavily subscribed,” Ms Kennedy continued. “By the time the train arrives in Cupar there are already significant numbers of passengers on board.
“Passengers from the town, and beyond, often have to stand all the way into Edinburgh. The sheer volume of those standing is a significant hazard.”
As well as being uncomfortable, Ms Kennedy warned there could be far more serious consequences.
“In particular there is no free passage through the carriages,” she said. “This prevents access to anyone who might become ill, and passengers, including the elderly, cannot access the toilets.”
Ms Kennedy added that linking public transport services at peak times is “imperative” if major towns and cities in Fife, Tayside and the Lothians are to be as accessible as possible.
The 7.55am train linking Cupar with the central belt had been run by CrossCountry.
A spokesman said, “We have been involved in discussions with other train operators, Network Rail and the Department for Transport for many months to agree the best possible local and long-distance train services for Scotland.
“While CrossCountry will no longer be operating this service, we will continue to run our 06.32 Dundee to Plymouth train which stops in Fife and gives journey opportunities from north Fife with people being able to change at Edinburgh Waverley.”
Meanwhile, it is understood that ScotRail is looking at the impact of the withdrawal of the CrossCountry service and is seeking to identify alternatives.