Frustrated commuters joined forces with MSP Jackie Baillie this week to lobby Scotrail’s managing director over poor train services on the Dumbarton and Helensburgh line.
Jackie Baillie organised the meeting in the Scottish Parliament with Phil Verster, after receiving dozens of complaints from constituents about cancelled services and overcrowding on trains.
Two representatives from Cardross Community Council were there to raise concerns about the recent decision to axe peak-time express services between Helensburgh and Glasgow.
As revealed here, the number of peak services scheduled to get Helensburgh commuters into work in Glasgow city centre for 9am and back home after 5pm have been dropped – following another cut last year.
Bob Murray and Tony Davey also said that ‘station skipping’ – when late-running trains miss out stops between Dumbarton and Helensburgh to make up time – was a big problem for local passengers.
Jackie also demanded action to improve services for West Dunbartonshire commuters who use the Airdrie to Balloch line.
A commuter who attends college in Anniesland said she had been left stranded in Glasgow twice this week due to cancelled services.
Constituents have also been in touch with the MSP’s office to complain about severe overcrowding at peak times.
Mr Verster agreed to consider all of the issues raised at the meeting and provide an update in the coming weeks.
Jackie said: “I am pleased that Scotrail has agreed to listen to the concerns of local commuters.
“Over the last few weeks I have seen a spike in the number of passengers contacting my office to raise issues, so clearly the service on offer is not up to scratch.
“One of the biggest concerns I am picking up is the frequent cancellations and severe overcrowding on some services. Whether it’s having to find your own way home from college because the trains are cancelled for the second time in a week or not being able to get a seat when there are only three carriages on an overcrowded train, local passengers have had enough.
“Station skipping is another huge inconvenience, particularly for passengers in Cardross, and I hope Scotrail will take action to reduce the impact on local people.
“The last thing you need after a busy day at work is to be left stranded miles from home simply so that Scotrail can avoid a fine for missing targets.
“I have also asked Scotrail to review the recent timetable changes in which have resulted in longer journeys and more waiting around for local commuters who work in Glasgow.”
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