Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell has written to Abellio UK, who have been awarded the new ScotRail franchise. The current agreement with the First Group terminates at the end of 2014 and Transport Minister Keith Brown confirmed Abellio has been awarded a 7-year minimum contract to start 1 April 2015 in an announcement today.
The local MP believes the change in operator presents a new opportunity to push for improved services at the station and is keen to meet with representatives of Abellio as soon as possible. Mr Mundell, a long time campaigner on the issues, wants to see a new late night service introduced, allowing passengers to return from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Mr Mundell, who last year ran a petition on the issue believes there is a clear demand and pointed to a 70% increase in passenger at Lockerbie Station over the last seven years.
Commenting, David Mundell MP said:
"We have seen significant improvements in the train timetable at Lockerbie over recent years but the job is not yet done. Like many local people I want to see a late night service that allows train users to take advantage on the nightlife and culture Scotland's big cities offer."
"This change to the franchise operator presents a new opportunity to make some progress on this issue. I am therefore keen to meet the new operator, Abellio, as soon as possible to make the case for Lockerbie."