FIFE’S MSPs DEMAND ACTION FROM SCOTRAIL BOSSES OVER CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Published date : 10 Jan 2019
FIFE’S MSPs DEMAND ACTION FROM SCOTRAIL BOSSES OVER CHRISTMAS SERVICES
FIFE’S MSPs called a meeting with Scotrail’s Chief Executive, Alex Hynes, yesterday (Wednesday) in the Scottish Parliament. Jenny Gilruth MSP, David Torrance MSP, Annabelle Ewing MSP and Shirley-Anne Sommerville MSP questioned the Scotrail boss over the numerous complaints the politicians received from their constituents over the festive period.
During December, Fife experienced a large number of cancellations and delays as a result of ScotRail crew shortages, caused by driver training. The Scottish Government has since issued the rail operator with a formal notice requiring them to set out plans for how performance will be improved.
Commenting after Wednesday’s meeting, Jenny Gilruth MSP said:
‘ScotRail let Fife down over Christmas. This is not a new issue, but those of us who regularly commute from Fife to Edinburgh will know that services have been particularly affected over the December period. Between November and December, only 40% of trains calling at Markinch arrived on time.
I am, however, grateful to Alex Hynes for meeting with my colleagues and I to discuss our constituents rightful concerns. Fife’s MSPs were all assured that the Kingdom is an absolute priority for Scotrail. But we now need to see concrete action. I am glad that Scotrail have committed to provide season ticket holders with free travel on anywhere in the country for six weekends over the course of the next 3 months. Compensation is also available to anyone delayed by more than 30 minutes by the Delay Repay Guarantee.
Notwithstanding, Fife has been adversely affected by cancellations and delays over the festive period. I would encourage any constituents to get in touch with my office directly if they have been affected.
Scotrail now have a duty to improve our services. I will be watching carefully to ensure they do so.’
Local Reporters, East Fife Mail, Glenrothes Gazette, St Andrews Citizen, Courier (Fife), TRANSPORT
