ScotRail is surveying passengers on whether the ban on drinking alcohol on its trains should be lifted.
The prohibition was first introduced as a temporary measure three years ago during the Covid pandemic but has been in effect ever since.
Rail passengers who logged onto ScotRail’s Wi-Fi have been asked to take part in an online survey as the transport operator “re-evaluates” the ban.
Customers are asked if they would be supportive of removing the permanent ban on consuming alcoholic drinks on its services.
The decision to lift the ban lies with the Scottish Government rather than ScotRail.
But ministers are asking railway bosses, unions and police about the option and have pledged to update parliament on any decision.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail’s customer operations director, said: “We regularly survey customers on a variety of topics relating to the journey experience.
“The survey results help us to understand the views of customers and the experience they have when travelling with ScotRail.
“Any information we receive helps to inform future decisions, and this survey will be no different.”
The ban has been criticised by the Scottish Conservatives which labelled it “out of touch” and “unworkable”.
In November First Minister Humza Yousaf said he acknowledged there were a wide of views on the issue.
“My priority is ensuring that ScotRail services are safe and enjoyable for all users and staff but specifically women and girls where we know of the role that alcohol often plays in making women feel unsafe,” he told MSPs.
“That is why the Transport Minister has asked that officials at Transport Scotland engage with British Transport Police, ScotRail, Scottish Rail Holdings and Transport Focus, amongst other organisations, to ensure that all views on continuing the alcohol ban on ScotRail trains are given due consideration and all impacts, assessed.”
He said the Scottish Parliament will be updated when a decision on the lifting of the prohibition has been made.
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