From this weekend, Scotrail are introducing a ban on drinking or visibly carrying alcohol on Scotrail trains between 9pm and 10am.
They will also refuse travel to people who are not considered fit to do so due to the effects of alcohol.
Staff will use common sense. Customers’ bags will not be searched, and the new rules will be gently phased in to give people time to get used to the idea.
Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, said: “Customers should be able to travel in a safe and friendly environment.
“It’s time to call a halt to the irresponsible minority who spoil journeys for the majority. These individuals disrupt services, abuse staff and fellow customers, and cause accidents.”
In the past six months, ScotRail has uncovered at least 260 occasions when British Transport Police (BTP) has had to respond to drink-related incidents; an increasing number of trains delayed due to anti-social behaviour; and at least one accident a week caused by excessive alcohol.
There are two elements to the upcoming changes:
They are introducing a ban on the consumption and carrying of alcohol on board trains (except the Caledonian Sleeper) seven days a week between 9pm and 10am.
- They will turn away anyone they believe is unfit to travel due to the effects of alcohol. If they are already on a train - having boarded at an unmanned station - arrangements will be made for BTP to meet the train.
