ScotRail should scrap first class seats to free up space on busy trains

ScotRail should scrap first-class seats on all of its services in a bid to free up capacity on busy trains, the Scottish Greens have said.

A freedom of information request obtained by the party showed that in 2023/24 around only 2% of ScotRail's first-class seats were being used. Of the two million first-class tickets available over the last year, just 39,000 were bought, the data showed.

Mark Ruskell said it meant that while first-class seats were often empty, passengers with regular tickets were routinely forced to stand in busy commuter services.

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The MSP said: "Our railways should be for all of us. Every journey on a ScotRail service should be a first-class experience - it shouldn't be determined by your ability to pay extra.

"We've all been in a situation where we struggle to find seats or are forced to stand in cramped carriages, only for first class to be almost completely empty.

"That's such a waste. It's not good for anyone."

Mr Ruskell said he wanted ScotRail to adopt measures taken by London Northwestern Railway, Southeastern Rail and Greater Anglia which are all planning to phase out first-class tickets.

He said services should end immediately and be replaced with standard class seating.

He added: "Rail companies across the UK are reducing first-class services. It is time for ScotRail to do the same.

"If we are to have a rail renaissance in Scotland we need low-cost, reliable and accessible rail.

"By removing so-called first-class carriages we can increase capacity while building a fairer, better and more inclusive rail network that works for passengers, staff and the planet."

ScotRail said first-class tickets generate around £8 million each year for the nationalised company.

The transport provider has no plans to remove the fares.

Claire Dickie, ScotRail's commercial director, said: "ScotRail offers first-class on board selected services connecting Scotland's cities, and the revenue generated from this service is reinvested to deliver wider benefits for all customers."

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