SCOTRAIL have been called on to work more with local authorities and transport providers to improve passengers' experience on the railways.

The company is facing demands to improve collaboration and consultation with public sector bodies and user groups, particularly in relation to planning station improvements and redevelopment works.

It is hoped that more joined-up working between ScotRail Alliance, the team formed by Abellio ScotRail and Network Rail, and other organisations will lead to more integrated transport options and better signage for passengers to follow.

In a letter to Phil Verster, managing director of the ScotRail Alliance, MSPs on the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee also singled out issues regarding the closure of the north and south ramp taxi lanes which previously operated in and out of Edinburgh’s Waverley Station.

Private vehicles were banned from entering the station in July 2012 in a bid to repel any potential terrorist attack, but the committee have said the move has caused access problems for those with disabilities.

Its members have given ScotRail until the end of the month to meet their earlier commitment to improve access to the station.

Jim Eadie MSP, convener of the Holyrood committee, said: “Almost 5,000 people in Scotland gave us their views on what they think about accessibility in our major urban railway stations.

“It was clear that much more could be done to improve the customer journey in our railway stations, from better signage to more integrated transport options for people travelling beyond a railway station.

“A particular issue was raised with the Committee about Edinburgh Waverly station, including concerns about the lack of communication and consultation over the closure of the taxi rank.

“The current situation where there is limited cycle access allowed to the station also goes against measures to promote greater use of cycling. We welcome ScotRail’s commitment to identify improvements to access via the north or south ramps and will seek an update on progress in late August."

Abellio, a subsidiary of the Dutch national rail company Nederlandse Spoorwegen, took control of the ScotRail franchise from First Group from April 1 this year on a ten-year contract.

Mr Eadie said: “As a committee we plan to hold ScotRail to account on their promises to passengers and will question them again in front of MSPs on their progress.”

ScotRail said they were currently looking at ways to enhance passenger relations as well as considering future access for cyclists at Waverley.

A spokesman said: "We welcome the committee's interest in improving access to our stations.

"We understand that our passengers, and the wider community, want to be more involved in helping to shape how the railway develops and the Alliance is committed to giving them that voice.

“That includes setting up a Stakeholder Advisory Panel and a Stakeholder Equality Group. They will provide feedback for future improvements at stations and on trains.

"We are also currently reviewing access for cyclists at Edinburgh Waverley and assessing how best to improve access while still maintaining a safe and secure environment for all station users."