THE Scottish Greens called for first class to be scrapped on ScotRail today after data revealed that 98 per cent go unused.

The party’s transport spokesman Mark Ruskell MSP proposed an amendment during a Holyrood transport debate after his party’s researchers found the overwhelming majority of first-class seats sit empty while commuters in packed neighbouring carriage were forced to stand.

“Our railways are for all of us, but we’ve all had the experience of having to stand in a packed carriage when the first class one is completely empty,” he said.

“If 98 per cent of first-class seats are not even being used, then what is the point in them?

“Every journey should be a first-class experience.

“First-class rail is a dated idea.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson responded: “Any permanent removal of first-class seating would need to take into account not only the loss of revenue on ScotRail services, but also the contribution received from cross-border first-class services through a reciprocal industry arrangement. 

“Where a service is particularly busy, ScotRail onboard staff can currently declassify first class to free up more seating.”