Local MP David Mundell has welcomed plans for further improvements to the Lockerbie train service. The Dumfriesshire MP has been lobbying hard for better services for rail passengers using Lockerbie Station.
Now he has been told of planned improvements by First TransPennine Express boss Nick Donovan. Mr Mundell had contacted the rail company’s managing director to express concern about cancellations and overcrowding on services from Lockerbie during the summer.
In a letter to the MP Mr Donovan apologised to affected constituents for the uncomfortable journeys they experienced.
He also told Mr Mundell that crowding had been a continual challenge for them as passenger numbers continued to increase, although the fleet of trains has remained the same size since 2006.
“The good news is that from December First TransPennine Express will be taking delivery of 10 new Class 350/4 electric trains. It is their aim to put these trains into use as soon as possible, so passengers can begin to enjoy the benefits of a fourth carriage, such as increased seating and luggage capacity, as well as an additional toilet,” said Mr Mundell.
The MP added: “Mr Donovan has told me that when their May 2014 timetable is introduced, they are expecting to see Scottish services receive an 80% capacity improvement through running as many 8-carriage services a day as they can. There are also plans to increase service frequency to one train an hour each way, alternating between Glasgow and Edinburgh. This of course includes an increase in services stopping at Lockerbie from 8 to 13 per day in each direction.”
There has been a 70% increase in passengers at Lockerbie over the last seven years and MP David Mundell has been fighting hard to get better services, something he is confident will mean even more people use the services.
He said: “Next year’s new services will mean the number of trains stopping at Lockerbie have doubled in recent years. It also means that, for the first time, local people can get to Glasgow or Edinburgh before 9am, which is great for those who work in the cities, or who want to seek employment there. But it also means people with hospital appointments or those who simply want to access the leisure or shopping facilities can do so far more easily.
“This is a really big step forward for rail services in this part of the world, and the fact that it is starting from May 2014 is really good news. But we still need other service improvements, such as late night trains,” added Mr Mundell.
Mr Mundell said: “I am determined to get the balanced timetable of services that Lockerbie needs, as well as making sure there are enough seats on the trains we currently have.
“I am continuing to lobby all the interested parties in the rail industry to make the case for more trains stopping at Lockerbie, and in particular late evening services from both Glasgow and Edinburgh so local people can enjoy entertainment opportunities in both cities,” he added.