Less than HALF of trains arrive on time Calls to get back on track and improve punctuality
A politician has hit out at transport chiefs after it was unveiled that less than 50 per cent of trains arrive at Bathgate train station on time.
New figures from ScotRail show that over the last three months only 48 per cent of trains have arrived within one minute of their arrival, known as ‘right time arrivals’.
This figure falls to 47.2 per cent when taken over the course of the last 12 months.
Miles Briggs, Conservative Lothian MSP for Lothian, said the delays are more than should be expected.
He said: “Bathgate train station is vital for West Lothian residents who commute to either Edinburgh or Glasgow.
“It is unacceptable that less than half of trains arrive at Bathgate station on time.
“The Transport Minister needs to work with Scot Rail to ensure a smoother service that doesn’t disrupt peoples travel plans.”
However transport chiefs at ScotRail and Transport Scotland have argued that the industry standard measure is for trains arriving within five minutes of their timetabled slot and Bathgate currently stands at 86.2 per cent, though they do concede this is below government expectations.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The figures provided are based on Right Time arrivals rather than PPM which is the recognised industry standard for measuring performance and stands at 86.2 per cent for this station.
“That said, it has already been well documented ScotRail is below the standard the Scottish Government requires and passengers across the country, including Bathgate, expect.
“The ongoing independent Donavan review will look closely at improvement on areas such as performance and skipstopping.
“Once the findings of this are known, the Transport Minister will take the opportunity to look at the recommended steps for improvement and how this information is made publicly available.”
ScotRail also stressed that the industry standard PPM arrival rate far exceeded the ‘right time arrival’ figures.
A ScotRail spokesperson said: “We are investing millions of pounds to build the best railway Scotland has ever had. The autumn and winter seasons present difficulties for the railway, and this year has been no different. Despite this, we remain the best performing large operator in the UK.
“But because we want to deliver even more for our customers, and because we rightly expect the highest standards, we will work night and day to deliver an even more reliable service.”