Passengers have been frustrated by a reduced rail service between Aberdeen and Stonehaven one week on from a derailment which caused days of disruption in the north-east.
Last Wednesday night, an empty train came off the rails at Stonehaven and journeys between Aberdeen and Dundee were cancelled until Friday afternoon as the stricken engine was removed and an investigation into the crash was launched.
Passengers’ relief at the resumption of the service turned to frustration last night when it emerged that the after-effects of the accident are continuing to impact services between the city and Stonehaven.
Trains between the two destinations were cancelled at 4.36pm and 5.19pm yesterday, and the 4.36pm journey was also scrapped on Monday.
One annoyed passenger took to social media to bemoan a “pretty poor service for commuters”.
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But a Scotrail spokesman explained that the upheaval was caused by the points, which enable trains to be guided from one track to another, remaining “out of commission” at Stonehaven in the aftermath of the derailment.
Due to derailment at #Stonehaven there are no trains travelling North from Dundee.
On conclusion of investigation, train will be removed & any damage to track will be assessed & repaired before service can resume
Contact your train operator for alternative travel information pic.twitter.com/vO7fOjZpbn
— NetworkRail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) October 11, 2018
The 5.09pm train from Aberdeen to Dundee did stop at Stonehaven and the service between Dyce and Edinburgh at 4.39pm also made additional stops at Stonehaven and Portlethen.
Ten sleepers need to be replaced following the derailment, with work also carried out on the points system at the scene.