Pictures have emerged of packed trains and buses in Renfrewshire on the day transport operators reduced their services in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

ScotRail introduced a reduced timetable to focus on providing public transport for key workers and said changes were necessary because of a decline in the availability of their staff.

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However, the move meant some services were overloaded with people, during a time when the Scottish Government is urging social distancing, leaving a number of passengers furious.

Scott Young shared images of the packed 7.14am Howwood to Glasgow Central service. 

He wrote: "Morning @NicolaSturgeon (@scotgov), I think it's time to shut down properly.

"Social distancing cant work when a morning commute with @ScotRail is like this."

ScotRail’s Twitter account has been inundated with complaints as people shared their experience of busy trains on their way to work.

 

The majority of responses to customers emphasised they were experiencing staff shortages because a number of employees are in self isolation.

David Simpson, ScotRail operations director, said this morning: “We are facing an unprecedented challenge on Scotland’s Railway and the revised timetable will help to provide a critical service for the key workers across the country.

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“Our own people are absolutely committed and are working flat out on the frontline to help keep the country moving, while also keeping themselves and customers safe.

“The railway has an important role to play during this crisis and we will work closely with the Scottish Government to do all we can as the situation develops.”

The Scottish Government said the decision to reduce services has been taken to protect services for essential workers and allow vital freight trains to continue to operate.

Have you been on public transport this morning? How was it? Let us know below or email jack.haugh@newsquest.co.uk