Rail users were left frustrated this morning after a ScotRail train from Prestonpans to Edinburgh was again overcrowded, despite an additional service to alleviate the problem.

Complaints have frequently been made by passengers about cramped conditions on the 8.11am service from Prestonpans to Edinburgh as workers head to the Capital.

Scotrail implemented a new schedule across Scotland last Sunday which saw the addition of a new Edinburgh-bound service, leaving Prestonpans at 8.05am.

However, a passenger who contacted the Courier and took images of overcrowding this morning on the 8.11am from Prestonpans claimed that the extra service, leaving Prestonpans just minutes earlier, had done little to ease the problem.

READ MORE: Launch of new rail service from Prestonpans

He said: “The new service leaves six minutes earlier but only gets in [to Waverley] three minutes earlier so there is no incentive to get it.

"They have added a train, and the same problem persists. People aren’t getting the new one.

“They [ScotRail] are spending more money and not fixing anything. This is the second time this has happened in the last few days.”

A claim by the passenger that Scotrail had added an additional service but permanently reduced the number of carriages on the original 8.11am service was denied by the company, but they did acknowledge there had been a problem this morning.

Scotrail confirmed that, due to maintenance works, the 8.11am service today was delivered with three carriages rather than the usual six, which contributed to the overcrowding.

READ MORE: ScotRail sorry after commuters left on platform

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: "ScotRail has listened to customers in East Lothian and has responded to additional demand for morning services in this area.

“Our additional morning peak service from Prestonpans provides more seats and commuting opportunities for customers in the east of the region.

“We encourage customers to check our new timetable, introduced on June 2, and consider the additional travel options now available from ScotRail.

“We are absolutely committed to delivering the best possible service for our customers, and we continue to work hard on improving performance across the network.”