Fast track crackdown on train louts ordered before end of ScotRail's ban on booze
NATS chiefs were last night urged to give railway staff the resources to stop 'spiralling' anti-social behaviour on trains ahead of the end of ScotRail's ban on booze.
SNP ministers were blasted for thousands of cases of vandalism and anti-social behaviour on rail services which sees commuters face at least two incidents a day by thuggish passengers.
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There have been more than 2,300 incidents on ScotRail trains since the operator was nationalised in April 2022
Credit: Alamy
The figures from ScotRail show there were more than 2,300 incidents since the rail operator was brought into public ownership by the SNP in April 2022.
And John Swinney was faced with the reality at Hamilton Central station where shelters were daubed with graffiti, which included possible references to Celtic's Green Brigade and Rangers' Union Bear ultras groups.
Last night, the Scottish Tories urged more cash for the service to help tackle the imminent end of the alcohol ban, which they said could send the number of anti-social behaviour incidents spiralling.
The party's transport spokeswoman, Sue Webber, said: 'These figures are deeply concerning and more proof that the SNP's botched nationalisation of ScotRail is continuing to deliver a poor experience for passengers.
'While it was common sense to finally lift ScotRail's unworkable booze ban, passengers will expect the impact on anti-social behaviour to be monitored.
'SNP ministers can no longer be asleep at the wheel. They must give ScotRail staff and our police the resources they need to crack down on those who misbehave to stop incidents spiralling out of control.'
Official figures state there were 2,310 anti-social behaviour incidents reported on ScotRail since nationalisation in April 2022.
This includes 715 incidents in 2022/23, 889 in 2023/24, and 706 in 2024/25.
ScotRail placed the 'temporary' ban on booze on board in late 2020 as part of its anti-Covid safety measures.
But John Swinney announced earlier this month the rules would be relaxed after years of it being flouted by travellers.
Woman 'covered in blood' after fight in ScotRail train full of rugby fans
From June 2, passengers will be able to drink again on ScotRail trains between 10am and 9pm.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: 'The Scottish Government has worked collaboratively with ScotRail and British Transport Police to develop strengthened measures to tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour and maximise safety for all passengers and staff, particularly unacceptable behaviour targeted at women and girls.'
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said: 'Anti-social behaviour has no place on Scotland's Railway. We continue to work with British Transport Police to clamp down on unacceptable behaviour and would ask our customers to report anything they witness to BTP.'
British Transport Police was contacted for comment.
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