Despite a deal between unions and ScotRail in December 2017, the practice of dumping human waste directly on to train tracks in Scotland is set to return.
Older trains are being used as an interim measure while ScotRail awaits the arrival of a new fleet of refurbished trains. None of the older models contain a controlled emission tank (CET) to protect track workers and the public from the effluent onslaught.
ScotRail has placed the blame on supplier Wabtec, who are reportedly behind schedule on refurbishments. At the time of writing, only one train fitted with a waste tank is running between Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
Rail union RMT’s General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Our members are rightly appalled that ScotRail have sought to rip-up a clear agreement to end the filthy and disgusting practice of dumping human excrement on Scotland’s railways. This disgraceful and retrograde step must be halted now and the union will take whatever action required to hold ScotRail to their agreement with the union.”
Rail bosses and ministers in the UK have promised that the practice of dumping waste directly onto tracks will come to an end in 2019, thanks to newer models and the retrofitting on older models. However, as is standard for the UK train system, no actual timetable is in place.
