Get back on track, says MSP
She urges ‘responsibility’
The MSP for East Kilbride has slammed Network Rail for their role in the town’s train troubles.
Linda Fabiani has called for the rail company, who operate alongside ScotRail, to take more responsibility for the delays affecting the Glasgow line.
Last year, East Kilbride residents faced delays, cancellations and overcrowding on the line – and the SNP MSP states that more than half of the delays to ScotRail services are due to poorly performing Network Rail routes.
“I have for the past few months been arguing the case that the East Kilbride to Glasgow line needs significant improvements to give users the experience they deserve,” she told the News.
“ScotRail have made some pledges and I am monitoring the ongoing situation along with East Kilbride commuters.
“A significant proportion of problems, however, are the responsibility of Network Rail, who are answerable to the UK Government.
“The Scottish Government wants greater accountability of Network Rail in Scotland and in the interests of passengers and the public purse I back that position.”
Ms Fabiani continued: “Network Rail is responsible for 54 per cent of Scotrail delay minutes.
“And the Scottish Government is keen for critical functions such as capacity planning, major projects delivery, timetabling, and legal and property management relating to Scotland, to be devolved.
“Humza Yousaf [Minister for Transport and the Islands] said further devolution of Network Rail’s functions under a unified management structure would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of railway operations in Scotland, saving around £100 million a year.”
Ms Fabiani has also said that “serious consideration” should be given to using City Deal funding for dual tracking the East Kilbride line.
A Network Rail spokesman said that the organisation would work under the advice of Wesminster and Holyrood.
In a statement, the rail body added: “We work closely with the Scottish and UK governments to continually enhance and improve our railways.
“Any discussions over further devolution of Network Rail in Scotland would be a matter for those governments.”
A spokesperson for ScotRail, operated by Dutch firm Abellio, declined to comment.