Forres Train Station maps to be updated by Scotrail following complaint
A RESIDENT has called for the national rail operator to display up-to-date tourist information at the town’s train station.
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, attended Forres Community Council to raise the issue of the town map and guide at the stop being entirely misleading.
She explained: “I went to see what information was available for someone alighting who might be unsure where the centre of Forres is and/or how to get there. What I discovered was extraordinary and alarming!
“The ‘new’ Forres station was opened on October 17, 2017 yet the current displays at the station are out-of-date. ScotRail really deserves a booby-prize!”
The member of the public pointed out that the map currently on display shows the access roads to the old station and old level crossing near White & Co’s storage building.
“There’s a pink diagram of information for the demolished station too,” she said. “I’m sceptical as to whether any of the information, links and phone numbers on display are correct. ScotRail needs to check it thoroughly.”
The resident initially contacted Scotrail and received an email from customer relations in reply.
It said: “I was sorry to hear that you were unhappy with the lack of updates to the information boards at the station. This matter has been followed up with the station manager who will investigate further.
”We are always aiming to give our customers the highest of standards through learning from experience. Comments such as yours help us to identify areas where we need to improve.”
FCC chairman Steve Ferris had a look for himself.
He confirmed: “There’s a 2022 poster with a pre-2017 map and information on display. The map currently shows that the route to Benromach, one of our major tourist attractions, is over the now-removed level crossing. This risks confusing tourists as there is no indication of the new road the other way.”
FCC and the Gazette asked Scotrail for an updated map and information.
A Scotrail spokesman replied: “We’re in the process of redesigning the customer information posters at Forres station. Updated posters will be in place in the coming weeks.”
Meanwhile, Steve added that a lack of toilet facilities is also a hinderance at Forres Train Station.
He said: “The toilets and waiting room are only open when the ticket office is open from 7.45am until 2.50pm. With winter coming, this will impact many of our residents who will be loathe to sit outside on a cold platform waiting for a train that might be standing room only on a two carriage train with no toilets available.
“If ScotRail are going to increase passenger numbers and get more people off the roads, they need to put passengers needs at the forefront of their planning.”
