First_Minister_s_Questions (1)

FMQs 08-02-24  South Scotland Labour MSP Martin Whitfield raises plight of East Lothian rail commuters on overcrowded trains into Edinburgh

Transcript

00:00 I'm very grateful, Presiding Officer. This week, rail commuters in East Lothian travelling

00:06 to Edinburgh experienced the consequences of SNP mismanagement, with a reduction in

00:11 the carriage numbers on the trains during the busy morning commute and overcrowding.

00:17 Gregor Miller, one of the commuters, said, "It's uncomfortable. You have to stand, and

00:22 it becomes hard to hold on to anything. When I get to Preston Pans, you have to stand.

00:26 When I get to Wallyford, people are just squeezing on, and at Musselburgh, people can't get on

00:32 the trains."

00:33 Given these ongoing issues, what assurances can the First Minister offer to Gregor and

00:38 the other constituents that commuters travelling between East Lothian and Edinburgh can depend

00:44 on a robust and reliable train service?