Previously, passengers wishing to board a train at Scotscalder had to flag the train by raising their arm (as is still done at other request stops around the country); this meant that the driver needed to reduce the train's speed before a request stop (to look out for any potential passengers on the platform and be able to stop if necessary), even if the platform was empty.
Previously, passengers wishing to board a train at Scotscalder had to wave their arm to signal the train; this required the driver to slow down before reaching a request stop (to check for potential passengers on the platform and be prepared to stop).