ScotRail has confirmed that a replacement bus service will now be provided for commuters at Giffnock and Thornliebank train stations who are impacted by the four-month closure of the East Kilbride rail line.
The train operator initially decided that a temporary bus service would not be introduced for either station with the exception of Giffnock on a Sunday.
However, ScotRail has since announced that a minibus will be provided for Giffnock and Thornliebank throughout the week to connect with trains departing for Glasgow from Barrhead and Kilmarnock stations.
Pollokshaws West is also included on the bus service.
Giffnock and Thornliebank locals whose destination is East Kilbride can join a minibus at Pollokshaws West for onward travel to stations that will then allow the journey to be completed.
The aim is for the replacement bus service to operate at half hourly intervals but this is dependent on traffic conditions.
The minibus service will be subject to ongoing review as ScotRail examine passenger behaviour in the next few weeks.
There will also be extra seats available on the 06.58 and 08.07 peak morning train services from Neilston and the 17.37 evening train at Glasgow Central with stops at the local stations of Whitecraigs, Williamwood and Muirend.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw said:
“The initial determination from ScotRail to not provide a replacement bus service from Giffnock and Thornliebank was a serious concern and major frustration.
“In my first representation to ScotRail, I called for an immediate review of the decision and highlighted that if no such exercise took place, the publicly owned company should at least keep the matter under consideration.
“At a recent drop-in event hosted by Network Rail within the Scottish Parliament, my office was represented and it had been relayed by a staff member at ScotRail who was present that a replacement bus service would now be established for Giffnock and Thornliebank.
“I immediately followed up in writing to ScotRail and confirmation has now been received that a minibus service to connect Giffnock and Thornliebank with other locations to facilitate onward travel to either Glasgow or East Kilbride will be in place.
“I understand there is no guarantee that the minibus provision will continue for the duration of the four-month rail line closure and I would urge ScotRail to think carefully should there again be any consideration towards excluding Giffnock and Thornliebank from replacement bus services.”
