28.01.19
ScotRail MD in discussions with Aberdeen MSP over rail performance issues
ScotRail Alliance’s managing director has held discussions in Scottish Parliament with Aberdeen MSP Mark McDonald after a string of complaints about the rail operator’s performance.
Commuters using Dyce Railway on the Aberdeen to Inverness Line – as well as travelling on trains bound to Edinburgh and Glasgow – have been highly critical in recent months of frequent cancellations and late trains.
The station is managed by Abellio ScotRail who performed very poorly in rankings by consumer watchdog Which? and was criticised for its punctuality, reliability and value for money.
Now McDonald has met and held discussions with ScotRail managing director Alex Hynes at Scottish Parliament.
McDonald called the current service being experienced by constituents “totally unacceptable,” but Hynes stated that he expected to see improvements take effect soon, according to the MSP.
Hynes reportedly conceded that performance was below expectations, and has agreed to meet the MSP for a follow-up meeting as well as offering to visit Dyce station to discuss the situation in more detail and current pressures.
McDonald said: “Dyce is an important station, serving as a commuter hub, and the poor service from ScotRail not only undermines passenger confidence but also impacts upon the economy and people’s jobs.
“I look forward to meeting Alex Hynes in Dyce in the near future, where I can discuss these matters further with him.”
ScotRail has been under fire recently for cancellations, diversions, reduced carriages and delays and has previously apologised for poor performance, insisting it was working on improvements.
Mr Hynes said: “It has been a challenging time for Scotland’s railway recently and we’re sorry to customers who have experienced disruption to their journey.
“Everyone at the ScotRail Alliance is working flat out to provide customers with the service they deserve.”
Image credit - Andrew Milligan/PA Archive/PA Images