Councillors to raise freezing Oban to Glasgow trains on national level after pensioner 'collapsed'

Councillors have pledged to raise the matter of freezing trains on a railway line serving parts of Argyll and Bute at a national level.

A pensioner was recently reported to have collapsed after travelling on a West Highland line train from Oban to Crianlarich in very cold conditions.

Services on the line, which runs from Oban and Mallaig to Glasgow Queen Street via parts of Argyll and Bute, have been dubbed the ‘Polar Express’.

Councillor John Armour (SNP, South Kintyre), Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for transport, now intends to work with others to achieve changes he said were “clearly required”.

Councillor Iain S Paterson (SNP, Lomond North), whose ward is served by the West Highland line, said he too would raise the matter.

A ScotRail spokesperson said that plans were in place to replace two-thirds of the company’s fleet over the next 15 years.

Councillor Armour said: “Public transport should be an attractive option for travellers. This is clearly not how things should be.

“As policy lead for roads, transport and amenity services, I am part of the HITrans board and will use that channel and working with others to achieve the changes that are clearly required.”

Councillor Paterson added: “I am aware of the headlines this week regarding the recent incident on the Oban/Glasgow service and was very concerned to hear about the pensioner who collapsed after being exposed to extremely cold conditions.

“No passenger should have to travel in such circumstances, particularly on a service that is relied upon by older people, and those with underlying health conditions.

“Given that this service also serves Arrochar and Tarbet, part of my constituency, it is essential that these concerns are taken seriously.

“I do intend to raise this matter with ScotRail and Transport Scotland, particularly as this does not appear to be an isolated incident but part of a pattern of recent complaints.

“At the very least, passengers should be able to expect a basic standard of comfort and safety. ScotRail will need to demonstrate what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence, by monitoring carriage temperatures, and clear communication with passengers when issues arise.

“There also needs to be reassurance that contingency measures are in place should heating systems fail during colder weather.

“I will continue to press for answers and will support any efforts to ensure that services operating through our area meet acceptable standards for those who use and depend on it.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We are sorry to customers who have experienced colder temperatures on board some of our West Highland services, as we know how important it is for our trains to provide a warm, comfortable, and welcoming environment.

“Class 156 trains use heat generated by the engine to warm the interior, and during colder weather it can take time for temperatures to build and stabilise.

“Each winter we take steps to improve customer comfort, including enhanced maintenance checks and operational reminders to help ensure heating systems perform as effectively as possible.

“We’re committed to delivering long-term improvements across Scotland’s railway, and over the next 15 years we’ll replace around two-thirds of ScotRail’s fleet.

“This investment will mean better on-board facilities, more comfortable journeys, and greater reliability for our customers.”

Councillor Andrew Vennard (Conservative, Oban North and Lorn) has also been contacted for comment.