FOLLOWING weeks of travel chaos for rail passengers the Clackmannanshire Greens have stepped up efforts to ensure locals' views on the service are heard.

The group have launched a survey to hear commuters' opinions on issues like service frequency, reliability and the potential uptake of trains from Alloa to Dunfermline, if the line reopened.

As reported previously in the Advertiser, rail services were so poor in recent weeks that ScotRail issued a public apology to Clacks residents.

Trains were repeatedly cancelled due to a "lack of train crew", which officials claimed was a result of staff being trained ahead of timetable changes – implemented in December following the introduction of electric trains.

The Alloa railway line had previously been closed for a week in October as the electrification works were carried out, with a replacement bus service operating throughout that period.

Marion Robertson, Clackmannanshire Greens co-convener, said: "Over 80 million passengers use the trains in Scotland every year, and more than 2,000 passenger services run every day.

"We all deserve better, reliable and more affordable rail services and we urgently need sustainable public transport to tackle the threat posed by climate change.

"Passenger feedback on the Alloa line through the survey will help exert sustained pressure on those running our rail services to improve satisfaction levels."

The Scottish Green Party (SGP) supports taking the railways back into public ownership, claiming it would reduce fares, improve accessibility and increase services.

Mark Ruskell, SGP MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, and SGP councillors across Scotland are engaging with community groups and passengers and are making representations to the Scottish government and ScotRail over concerns raised about rail services.

To access the online survey, visit the @ClacksGreens Facebook page and leave feedback.