Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell is demanding an explanation from train operator TransPennine after a spate of complaints from constituents.
The complaints were from local people following cancellations and packed trains with standing room only between Lockerbie and Edinburgh.
Local passengers complained that on consecutive weeks they were faced with cancelled trains from Lockerbie; full trains with standing room only to Edinburgh; and a cancelled train from Edinburgh back to Lockerbie.
Now the local MP has written to TransPennine demanding an explanation for their poor service, especially at a time when demand for rail transport to and from Lockerbie is on the increase.
“Three cancellations and packed trains forcing passengers to stand all the way between Lockerbie and Edinburgh is just totally unacceptable. My constituents who want to travel by rail deserve a better service which is why I have asked the operator for an explanation,” he added.
A campaign spearheaded by the Dumfriesshire MP has already had success in bringing improved rail services to Lockerbie.
From May next year the number of trains stopping in the town will double and, for the first time, locals will be able to commute to Edinburgh and Glasgow, arriving before 9am.
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, and that is what I hope this petition will bring,” added Mr Mundell.
The rail company said the strong local campaign mounted by the MP had influenced its decision and now Mr Mundell is hoping the campaign can achieve even greater improvements.
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 still lobbying 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.”
The MP went on: “I am also concerned that so many people have to stand between Lockerbie and Edinburgh. This is not acceptable, and in my view is partly down to TransPennine encouraging more passengers with special deal tickets onto services that are already busy, rather than onto less busy ones.”