Service on the up but more needs done
Nine out of ten customers are satisfied with ScotRail according to a recent survey – but more still needs to be done to improve the East Kilbride line.
Campaigners have been calling for the electrification of the line with commuters facing disruption a weekly basis.
And with delays a regular occurrence it was announced last year by the Scottish government that there would be a £25 million investment into the East Kilbride rail line.
The most recent independent survey shows a huge increase of 10 points from this time last year.
The National Rail Passenger Survey, carried out by the independent watchdog Transport Focus, found that 89 per cent of the 1200 ScotRail customers surveyed are satisfied with the train operator.
And the survey, which was carried out during the best autumn performance for train punctuality in five years, shows that all five of the key factors that customers value have improved on last year
But East Kilbride Central North Councillor Joe Fagan said: “Passenger satisfaction with ScotRail might be improving but it is improving from a 15 year low.
“In two years time the current ScotRail franchise will be brought to an end early, with an extension ruled out because Abellio have not kept their promises to Scotland’s passengers and have not provided the level of service passengers would expect.
“Where there have been improvements in the East Kilbride line, they have come after years of waiting. Across the ScotRail network Abellio have been unable to stay on top of delays and overcrowding.
“Going forward the only real future for ScotRail is for the franchise to be brought under public control and run in the interests of passengers, not for profit.”
However, SNP MSP Linda Fabiani said:“Since recent improvements to existing stock and additional carriages for the East Kilbride line, there has been a reduction in the number of constituents coming to me with concerns.
“That said, there is always room for improvement and I’ll continue to relay constituents’ concerns with ScotRail.”
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, said: “Everyone at ScotRail is working flat out to deliver the service that our customers expect and deserve. I am delighted to see such a significant increase in customer satisfaction, which shows that the hard work of our people is paying off.”