MORE GRIEF FOR SCOTRAIL PASSENGERS

Failing axle counters at Craigendoran bring more chaos to local rail services

By Democrat reporter

Failing axle counters at Craigendoran on the Glasgow-Helensburgh and West Highland Line have caused 154 trains to run late, 29 trains to be cancelled and 42 trains to be partly cancelled since April 2017.

The axle counters at Craigendoran were installed in 1999 and were put in place to address the issue of sea water flooding the line.

However, the axle counter is now obsolete and Network Rail plan to upgrade it in the next funding period from 2019-2024.

In order to achieve a more immediate improvement at this part of the line, the original track circuit has been reinstated and the axle counter will be used as an ‘overlay’ system in parallel with the new track.

The installation and final testing of the interface between the axle counter and track circuit will be carried out in May. Once the equipment has been commissioned, Network Rail hope this will provide an immediate improvement in performance.

Commuters’ champion Jackie Baillie MSP for Dumbarton and Helensburgh said: ““I am delighted that the axle counters at Craigendoran are scheduled for replacement within the next funding period.

“This was first raised with me by a constituent last summer and I have pursued this ever since. Although, for now, we have a temporary repair, I am hopeful that it will provide the immediate improvement that Network Rail anticipate.

“Passengers travelling through Craigendoran have been affected by the problems with the axle counters for a long time. They are, rightly, sick of late running and cancelled trains caused by outdated equipment.

“I hope that the full replacement of the axle counters will be carried out as soon as possible during this period.”