MSP calls for rail passengers to receive half price travel from local stations
Constituency MSP, Jackie Baillie, has called on ScotRail to offer passengers from Dumbarton, Balloch and Helensburgh half price travel from now until Christmas — due to the unprecedented levels of disruption they have faced.
The MSP, who has highlighted the issue numerous times both in parliament and in letters to the Managing Director, explained that her constituents have faced regular cancellations meaning many of them have struggled to get to work, university or even hospital appointments.
The disruption, which has been ongoing for a number of weeks, got worse following the replacement of the bridge at Strathleven Place/Bonhill Road/Bankend Road.
The most recent figures show that the franchise experienced the highest level of cancellations on record.
Passengers have also noted that when the trains do run, they run with a reduced number of carriages so that there is barely even standing room by the time the train leaves Dumbarton Central.
Speaking following the debate in the Scottish Parliament, Jackie Baillie said:“Passengers have had to put up with an unreliable service for too long. Instead of ensuring that ScotRail provide the service that passengers deserve, the Scottish Government have relaxed performance targets.
“Constituents contact me on an almost daily basis to highlight the problems that they have experienced. Many of them are late for work, college and university and even hospital appointments. The excuses are starting to wear thin.
“I am calling on ScotRail to offer passengers from our area, who have had to endure the most cancellations and delays, half price travel until Christmas.”