‘On time’ trains claim slammed
Scotrail have been blasted over claims that punctuality on Scotland’s railway has improved.
The rail firm this week said that new figures show 83.4 per cent of Scotrail trains met the rail industry standard public performance measure, arriving at their destination within four minutes and 59 seconds of their timetabled arrival time, having called at all scheduled stations, meaning that the moving annual average – the rolling performance over the previous 12 months – stands at 87.3 per cent.
The figures mean that Scotrail’s punctuality is at its best since September.
Scotrail Alliance managing director, Alex Hynes said: “We know it has been a challenging time for Scotland’s railway, but it is encouraging to see that our punctuality has improved in recent weeks. With the successful introduction of the new timetable, everyone across the Scotrail Alliance is working flat out to keep improving the service for our customers.
“With the first phase of improvements in place, our new trains and infrastructure enhancements, we are working together to deliver the punctuality and quality of service that our customers deserve.”
However, commuters across Stirling area have been fuming over services to and from Stirling, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.
Passengers were angered after Scotrail introduced its new timetable earlier this month. Disgruntled commuters hit out over longer journeys at peak times of the day in an interim timetable which came into effect on December 9.
Two special meeting, organised by Dunblane and Bridge of Allan Green councillor, Alasdair Tollemache, saw passengers get the chance to quiz rail bosses.
Following the announcement of the latest figures, Councillor Tollemache said: “Since the December timetable has been in place commuters have experienced cancellations, overcrowding and the lack of carriages. Many of my constituents have been left distressed by the extension of their working days and the impact this has had on family life. Frankly, we have lost confidence in the service with some even giving up on the train, using their cars instead. This is very bad news for our environment.
“I have personally liaised with Scotrail staff and blame the system, not them. The only way to regain confidence is to remove the franchise from Abellio now. I will continue to work with others to get this sorted.”
Stirling Tory MP, Stephen Kerr, has written to Alex Hynes and Transport Secretary, Michael Mathieson, with his concerns.
Commuters faced further woes earlier this month after service across Scotland were hampered by delays and cancellations over staff shortages.
The rail workers union, RMT, confirmed that an ‘indefinite ban’ on overtime and rest day working would come into force on Scotrail after members voted overwhelmingly for action in a dispute over equality and justice for all grades over rest day working payments back in October.
The Observer reported last month how new electric trains will not run on the Dunblane-Stirling-Edinburgh route until next year.
Scotrail blamed delays in the delivery of the Hitachi 385 locomotives for halting the introduction of a finalised timetable for the route.
Scotrail also this week published a draft of a new timetable to be introduced in May.
Mr Kerr said: “As many people as possible should scrutinise this draft timetable and get their comments in to Scotrail. The company should have no excuse for not getting it right and addressing the serious issues people have had to put up with for far too long.”
To view the draft go to https://bit. ly/2LunnPr.
To comment on the draft timetable email news@stirlingobserver.co.uk.