THE concerns of Fifers over proposed cuts to rail services have been raised with ScotRail chief Alex Hynes.

In an online meeting Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser expressed constituents’ fears about how the plans may affect the number of trains running in the Kingdom.

The shake-up, scheduled to begin in May 2022, would see around 300 routes a day being cut across Scotland with journey times increasing.

As reported previously in the Press, the alterations would see the removal of almost all direct trains between the two sides of the Fife Circle with a change at Inverkeithing required.

Other impacts would include the removal of all direct trains between Kirkcaldy and Perth, the reduction of semi-fast trains from Kirkcaldy to Edinburgh, and increased journey times on the Perth to Edinburgh route.

Mr Fraser said: “Several of my constituents have contacted me to say they are unhappy about the proposed reduction in the number of trains that will travel between Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh, together with changes to ScotRail services on the Fife Circle, which some residents believe will lead to a reduction in services and options.

“I told Mr Hynes that concerns have also been raised that apparently there was no consultation about Sunday rail services in Fife. And some constituents told me the proposed new changes will result in only one train per hour between Kinghorn and North Queensferry, rather than two which is currently the case.

“ScotRail have to listen to the concerns of these constituents. It is very clear that these timetable changes will mean reduced services for many rail passengers. Let’s hope the company take on board the views of these rail users, see sense and ditch many of these proposals.” 

A ScotRail spokesperson said the pandemic had changed how people travel across all of Scotland and their services needed to reflect that.

“That’s why we are now in the process of designing new timetables to accommodate future levels of passenger demand,” said the spokesperson.

“These proposals offer more services than are running today and are a new foundation for us to build on as we continue to recover and build a greener, more sustainable railway. 

“We are proposing a new, better performing timetable with focus on improved punctuality and reliability, which we know is a priority for our customers.

“Rail is already the most sustainable mode of public transport, contributing only one per cent of Scotland’s overall transport carbon emissions, so it’s important that everyone – management, staff, trade unions, suppliers, and government – works together to continue to modernise the railway so that it is fit for the future.”