Rail union, the RMT have begun a campaign to stop Scotrail implementing a driver only operation on the Glasgow to Edinburgh line.

Despite this the service, which uses the Airdrie to Bathgate line, begins running today without a guard.

RMT members are planning a demonstration today at Edinburgh’s Waverley, at 3.30pm, because they are worried about the affect which it would have on both safety.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said: “We cannot have a situation where travelers are left vulnerable because
corners are being cut on staffing levels in order to maximise profits. RMT will be mobilising public and political support
with the objective of making sure that passengers have the reassurance of having a trained guard close at hand when they are using Scotrail’s new service.”

It would seem that, although efficiencies have to be made at the moment, that this should not comprise the safety of anyone on board those trains.

However Scotrail were quick to say that there was no extra risk.

A ScotRail spokesman said: “The ‘driver only’ train is a myth – as is the claim that staffing levels will be cut.

“The union’s campaign boils down to who opens and shuts doors on trains which are no different from those which have operated in Strathclyde for 25 years and have been proved in all conditions.

“Indeed, 56% of all ScotRail journeys are on driver-operated door trains with ticket examiners – almost 47 million journeys a year.”