Rail commuters in Inverkeithing have seen more than 1,000 trains cancelled due to train crew shortages in just under two years.
The new figures released by Network Rail have been described as “shocking” by Conservative Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, who has called for urgent action to address the issue.
A Freedom of Information request revealed the number of cancelled rail services for trains expected to stop at Fife’s main commuter hub from October 20 2017 to September 28 2019 stood at 1,010.
Thirty train services were cancelled at Inverkeithing on April 9 alone, with 28 shelved just seven days later.
Ten trains wee cancelled on May 15, 16 on May 16, 15 the day later and 19 on May 18.
Mr Fraser, who has previously raised the issues on the Fife Circle with the Scottish Government, said: “Fife commuters have had to endure cancellations, delays and overcrowded trains and some trains skipping stations for too long.
“To have more than 1,000 cancellations on trains that were due to stop at Inverkeithing rail station in just under two years due to ‘train crew shortages’ is shocking and really not good enough.
“Recently ScotRail announced that they will supply more carriages on busy commuter lines in Fife,” he added. “This is obviously very welcome.
“But there should never be 1,010 cancellations due to ‘train crew shortages’ in this day and age. Rail passengers in Inverkeithing deserve a lot better.”
Inverkeithing is one of the busiest stations along the east coast, as it accommodates many people using Ferrytoll Park and Ride for the onward journey to Edinburgh and beyond.
ScotRail said some services had to be cancelled due to the late delivery of trains by Hitachi and Wabtec, which meant crew training ad to be compressed into a short space of time.
It added that industrial action meant there was an overtime ban for some employees which lasted for several weeks, but noted it had just delivered the best performing autumn period for five years.
A ScotRail spokesperson said: “There’s no denying that Scotland’s railway went through some challenging times in recent years, but the latest figures are more encouraging and show we delivered the best autumn performance in five years.
“More trains are arriving on time than ever before, and this shows the impact of the unprecedented investment in Scotland’s railway to give customers the service they expect and deserve.”