ScotRail sees a huge rise in disgruntled passengers

Complaints by rail passengers have soared in the 12 months since a Dutch firm took over the ScotRail '¨franchise.

Complaints have gone up since Abellio took over. Picture: ScotRail

Abellio has been hit by a 38 per cent rise in grievances between the first and final quarters of its first year in charge. In the same period, up to one in ten trains have run late.

ScotRail trains have been affected by a series of walkouts by RMT workers in a dispute over guard-free trains. Robert Sampson, of watchdog Transport Focus, said there had been a rise in complaints about ScotRail. He added: “It’s disappointing the rate of complaints made to ScotRail has gone up.”

When Abellio took over ScotRail last April, it said there would be faster journeys and more capacity.

A spokeswoman said it has “forged ahead with a major programme of investment”.