Rail chiefs to be grilled over Fife ‘stop skipping’

Passengers: Rail officials and MSPS will meet next month to discuss issues raised

Rail bosses will face tough questions about ‘stop skipping’ throughout Fife after the issue was raised at Holyrood.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf has confirmed the controversial matter will be discussed with Scotrail at a highlevel meeting being arranged between officials and MSPS for next month.

The news comes after Liz Smith, the Conservative MSP for Mid-scotland and Fife, highlighted the ongoing practice at the Scottish Parliament amid anger from passengers about trains failing to stop at their scheduled stations.

An annual season ticket for travel between Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh Waverley costs more than £2,000, but many passengers have been left furious that this outlay still does not guarantee a seat as trains often arrive with only two carriages during peak hours.

Passengers at the stops which are skipped are not offered any alternative travel, meaning commuters who rely on the service are often late – with those who wanted to get off at the “skipped” stops forced to wait for a return train.

Critics of stop skipping also say passengers are put in danger when affected trains – which are either running late or full – pass through stations at high speed.

Mr Yousaf said: “I completely understand the frustrations of poor performance for the customer experience, and I recognise that Scotrail has faced a number of issues and challenges across the rail network, particularly in the recent autumn and winter months and not least the Mid Scotland and Fife region.

“Scotrail has instigated an independent review to look at performance, and stop skipping will be a part of that.

“The capacity issues in Fife are at the top of the agenda when it comes to considering increased capacity.”

According to Mr Yousef there are similar issues with capacity and stop skipping in the East Kilbride area which need to be addressed.

Ms Smith said she was happy to hear that the issue was being taken seriously.

“I look forward to raising Fife-specific concerns with officials and the Minister during a meeting next month,” she concluded.

“Commuter services in Fife are performing well below the level passengers expect and it’s important that campaigners and politicians maintain pressure on the Government.

“Ultimately, the Scottish Government has allowed the situation to get so bad that passengers no longer trust timetables or the information given on noticeboards.

“Commuters in Fife deserve a reliable, efficient and cost effective rail service.”

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said Scotrail has instigated an independent review to look at performance. Picture: PA.