Leaves on Lines Blamed Again for Rail Chaos Trains Stopped in Tracks As 40 Locations Hit By Seasonal Problem
Posted on: Wednesday, 9 November 2005, 15:00 CST
By CAROLINE WILSON
IT'S an age-old excuse for late trains that never fails to raise groans from frustrated commuters.
And the explanation of "leaves on the lines" makes passengers almost as puzzled as the famous station announcement of a late train caused by "bovine incursion" - cows on the tracks.
Now falling leaves have been blamed for causing travel chaos across west Scotland's rail network.
Around 40 locations were hit by the seasonal problem following Monday night's fierce gales.
Train services were disrupted throughout yesterday, with long journeys home last night for many passengers.
Services between Bellgrove and Dalmuir and Hamilton and Anderston were suspended for most of yesterday morning.
And the HelensburghAirdrie route was operating on a reduced timetable.
Network Rail workers known as "leaf-blasting gangs" worked round the clock to clear the lines.
The routes were restored to full operation by 8pm but many rushhour services ran to a reduced timetable.
The problem is referred to as "poor adhesion" in the rail industry. It costs the trade around GBP50million a year, including GBP5m in staff and GBP10m for damage to trains and tracks.
A First ScotRail spokeswoman said: "Leaves on the line is an annual problem - it's basically like driving on black ice."
Network Rail uses trains fitted with powerful water jets to blast away leaves. It has also removed trees next to tracks.
Last month rail chiefs ordered a top-level probe after some services in and out of Glasgow were thrown into chaos because of leaves on the line.
10 BESTLATE TRAIN EXCUSES Armed escaped prisoner on the track Criminal under the train Deranged female on the line Driver abandoned train to collect his kids Driver 's taxi got lost on way to station Emergency stop after passenger got on wrong train Exploding pigeon on overhead electric wires Herons mating on the track Rat self-destructed chewing through signal cables Some Charlie's used alarm handle as a coat hook caroline. wilson@ eveningtimes. co. uk
Source: Evening Times; Glasgow (UK)
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