Carriages cut on rail route

A reduced number of carriages are now operating on trains through Monklands as operator Scotrail responds to the impact of the new lockdown.

The Airdrie to Balloch route, which also travels through Coatbridge, is among those to have had fewer carriages in place since earlier this month as the latest coronavirus restrictions have resulted in a near-90 per cent decrease in customer numbers compared to 12 months ago.

Only essential journeys are now permitted amid the current stay-at-home instruction, in place at least until the middle of February, with the train operator saying “fewer seats are needed to continue running a safe and reliable service”.

Scotrail operations director David Simpson said: “Following the enhanced restrictions, we are making these alterations based on the current demand from customers, and it will allow us to keep on providing a critical service for those travelling.”

A statement from Scotrail added:“further changes are being planned for other routes, which may be implemented following a more thorough review of the demand from customers – this will include a reduction in the number of services operating from early February.

“The changes will ensure that trains run when they are needed most, while delivering better value for the taxpayer; and will be constantly reviewed, particularly if there is any change to passenger numbers.”

Mr Simpson said:“we have made multiple changes to services throughout the pandemic, ensuring that customers can travel safely.

“Like any business, we need to continue to make sensible financial decisions, and reducing the number of carriages means a reduction in costs for the taxpayer, while continuing to deliver a safe and reliable service.”