Call for Transport Minister to help improve Dunfermline train services

Dunfermline and Dollar MP Graeme Downie and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker have called on the Cabinet Secretary for Transport to "urgently address" the poor service affecting commuters.

Standing together at Dunfermline City train station, the pair highlighted the frustration reported to them by constituents with short forming of trains, regular delays and short-notice cancellations regular occurrences.

This comes after train users were again left frustrated last week after rush hour delays.

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One commuter contacted the Press last Tuesday after he was unable to get on the 8.09am train from Rosyth to Edinburgh.

He explained: "The previous train at 7.43am was cancelled and the 8.09am had only two carriages meaning the vast majority of people were unable to board the train at Rosyth leaving them unable to get to work.

"This would have been the same at all subsequent stations."

Passengers left on the platform at Rosyth Train Station. (Image: Contributed) Mr Downie expressed his frustration at the ongoing situation.

“People have been told for years to ditch the car and take the train; however, our constituents are reporting that they are faced with no choice in Dunfermline and have had to continue to drive, especially for the purpose of getting to work, due to the poor service from ScotRail," he said.

“The Scottish Government has rightly encouraged train travel as a sustainable travel option, but has failed to ensure that the necessary services and trains are in place to support this shift. Dunfermline and West Fife residents deserve a service they can rely on; sadly, this is far from what they are getting.

“I look forward to hearing what steps the Cabinet Secretary will be taking with ScotRail to resolve this.”

Ms Baker, who is the Scottish Labour Transport Spokesperson, added: “Fife commuters are tired of being let down by repeated delays, cancellations and overcrowded rail services which are pushing people away from rail travel and into their cars.

"We have jointly written to the Cabinet Secretary calling for immediate action to improve the passenger experience for Fifers.

“The removal of peak fares increased passenger numbers despite it being undermined by cuts to services and a lack of advertising. By scrapping it, the Scottish Government hit passengers with increased costs while the service continues to be poor. We need swift resolution to these issues, and a commitment to long term improvements for Fife passengers.

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“We need better trains to boost growth and reduce emissions, and the Scottish Government needs to use the powers of public ownership to deliver a reliable and affordable service that works.”

ScotRail say the service provided to customers in Fife hasn’t always been good enough and a number of steps have been made to make improvements across the region.

Service Delivery Director Mark Ilderton said: “Earlier this year, ScotRail initiated a performance drive across Fife to focus on improving the service in the region and while there is still much to do, we are making progress. “Customers in Fife are now experiencing a punctuality and reliability of service which is comparable to that experienced by the rest of ScotRail customers.

“We know that one of the biggest concerns for our customers is busy trains, and we’re continuing to do everything we can to deliver the service that customers expect and deserve.”

A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said the Transport Secretary was "well aware" of the negative impact of short-forming of rail services on passengers in Fife.

"She has made it clear to ScotRail management that the situation must improve as quickly as possible," they said. "The Scottish Government is committed to improving rail services in Fife, with the £116m invested in the reopening of the Levenmouth Rail Link an example of that commitment.

“Transport Scotland is working closely with Scottish Rail Holdings and ScotRail on the Fleet Improvement Plan, which requires the operator to make the necessary improvements to the reliability of its diesel rolling stock. Additional maintenance staff recruited as part of this plan are making a positive impact on the availability of diesel trains for rail passengers in Fife.

“Unfortunately, passengers were negatively affected in recent times by the reduced timetable which ScotRail had been forced to introduce due to a dispute over pay. Thankfully, this matter is now resolved and commuters in Fife can now look forward to an improvement in performance.”