ScotRail has confirmed with a local MSP that a number of peak train services passing between Neilston and Glasgow will have more seats to help cope with passenger demand during the closure of the East Kilbride rail line from Saturday 25th January to Sunday 18th May.
In response to a representation from Jackson Carlaw MSP on alternative services for his constituents who will be impacted by the rail line closure to electrify the route, ScotRail set out that the morning 06.58 and 08.07 trains from Neilston to Glasgow Central will have extra seats.
The evening service to Neilston that departs Glasgow Central at 17.37 will also have more seats.
ScotRail is not running a replacement bus service for train users at Giffnock except on Sundays and the publicly owned company has highlighted that the local stations of Whitecraigs, Willliamwood and Muirend are alternative travel options.
The Neilston service stops at all three of these stations.
ScotRail has also chosen not to put in place a replacement bus service for Thornliebank train users and the organisation noted that impacted customers could instead travel from Kennishead as it is roughly a ten-minute walk between the two stations.
In his representation, Mr Carlaw also expressed frustration at the decision not to put in place a replacement bus service for Giffnock and Thornliebank and he has asked for the matter to be kept under review.
ScotRail has said it will monitor customer and bus operator feedback alongside train capacity volumes.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw said:
“The four-month closure of the rail line will have a major impact on my constituents who travel from the Eastwood train stations on the East Kilbride route.
“The information on ScotRail’s website about travel plans during this period points out that there will be additional carriages where possible at Whitecraigs, Williamwood and Muirend stations on the Neilston line as services are expected to be very busy but without any specific details.
“I welcome the clarification from ScotRail that the extra seats will be available on two morning services from Neilston and one evening train from Glasgow Central.
“On the replacement bus service, I acknowledge that Clarkston and Busby have been included but the exclusion of Giffnock and Thornliebank is a serious concern.
“ScotRail needs to continually review the effectiveness of the suggested alternative travel arrangements and if they prove to be insufficient or unsuitable for Giffnock and Thornliebank train users, the organisation must then consider including both in the replacement bus service.”
