PASSENGERS were left stranded when trains between Ardrossan and Kilwinning were cancelled for an entire evening.

Two reporters from the Herald and one other passenger had just boarded the 17.23 from Ardrossan Town last Friday (July 7) when we were informed that the service was cancelled. Scotrail staff arranged for a taxi to take us to Kilwinning but an apparent miscommunication resulted in a 45-minute wait. During that time, we observed no replacement buses for later passengers.

A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “We began sourcing replacement transport soon after the beginning of the disruption, however, the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow meant that there was a shortage of buses and taxis available. Taxis cannot be ordered for customers without a name to go on the booking. This is standard practice and allows us to confirm that the stranded customer has been able to continue their journey.

“There is no complacency here. We know that any delays can be frustrating for passengers and that’s why we will continue to work hard every single day building the best railway Scotland has ever had. The investment we are making just now will ultimately mean faster trains, more seats and better services.”