Following a recent meeting with Transport Secretary, Michael Matheson, where concerns were raised over the performance of the Milngavie Rail line, local SNP MSPs Gil Paterson and Rona Mackay have received written details of the actions being taken to improve performance on the line.
In his letter to Mr Paterson, the Transport Secretary highlighted steps which have already been taken as well as those planned for implementation over the coming months. Actions already in place include prompt departure times for the Argyle line services, which is already delivering improvements; driver changes at Hyndland station were identified as causing delays which have been eliminated, information has been gathered on time lost daily at the Wishaw turn back and speed restrictions between Bargeddie and Mount Vernon are being reviewed. Skip stopping, except as a last resort, has been suspended. An Infrastructure scheme at Westerton which allows a 6-car train to be accommodated on the Glasgow platform without blocking the route to Milngavie will be delivered Mid November. Plans are in review to run an express service from Glasgow to Milngavie during peak times and also on selected trains from Balloch and from Helensburgh central. Measures to improve management of drivers at Milngavie are planned for December this year which, in conjunction with an additional engine unit being introduced into the circuit, will re-instate 20-minute turnaround times ensuring greater punctuality. Discussions are also taking place with train drivers’ unions to find ways of reducing the berthing times for trains arriving at Milngavie Station. Speaking to the Milngavie and Bearsden Herald, Mr Paterson said: “Obviously ScotRail are taking this matter seriously and are making changes and putting in investment. Let’s hope it has the desired effect” |
|