Train line assurances
MSPgets‘assurances’
East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani has been ‘assured’ capacity on the town’s rail line to Glasgow will be increased.
Holyrood transport minister Humza Yousaf has told Ms Fabiani ScotRail will make the move to meet high demand on the route.
Commuters have been hit by a 3.2 per cent fares hike.
Linda Fabiani has been ‘assured’ by Scotland’s transport minister that capacity on the town’s rail line to Glasgow will be increased.
The East Kilbride MSP revealed that Humza Yousaf told her ScotRail will make the move to meet high demand on the route.
Ms Fabiani also raised concerns over delays at ticket barriers between Glasgow and East Kilbride stations.
She noted that Network Rail were in discussions regarding these concerns with talks over electrification ongoing.
After months of issues on the line, commuters were hit by a 3.2 per cent increase in fares – but Ms Fabiani believes improvements are on the way.
“I am pleased that commuters’ concerns are being answered and that more rolling stock will be available soon,” said Ms Fabiani.
“It is my understanding that the first of new, longer and greener electric fleet has now started the final stage of testing on the Edinburgh to Glasgow line and I am glad the minister fully expects ScotRail to increase capacity to meet demand, including the East Kilbride corridor.
“I’m pleased that concerns regarding delays at ticket barriers due to inoperative ticket machines have been answered and that Transport Scotland audit their services and facilities on a fourweekly basis through the service quality incentive regime – the toughest regime of its kind within the United Kingdom.
“I was reminded, too, that commuters can use the Abellio smartcard, introduced on all routes, and made available across the network for the majority of ticket types. The Scottish Government is discussing all options with Network Rail in relation to all options for the East Kilbride line and longer-term options for electrification.”