WEST of Scotland MSP Katy Clark has slammed figures that show over 200 trains have been cancelled on the Largs to Glasgow line in 2024 so far.
The Labour representative has called for an action plan after it was revealed that most of the cancellations were due to infrastructure problems.
Ms Clark has voiced her anger at the ongoing disruption to rail services between Largs, Ardrossan and Glasgow, with 213 full and partial cancellations recorded in 2024 alone.
A Freedom of Information request by Ms Clark reveals that infrastructure failures are the primary cause, leading to widespread travel delays and cancellations for commuters.
Up until September 11, more than 500 services on the Largs via Ardrossan to Glasgow line, or vice versa, were running over five minutes late in 2024.
Ms Clark said: “The significant reduction in train services between Largs, Ardrossan, and Glasgow is nothing short of a travesty for commuters.
"With over 200 cancellations already this year, it's evident that current service levels are falling short, compounded by rail staff shortages that are failing to meet public needs."
The data indicates that infrastructure issues—such as track problems, signalling faults, fatalities, telecoms failures, trespass incidents, and vegetation interference—are the leading causes of these cancellations.
Ms Clark, West of Scotland Region MSP for Scottish Labour, declared: “It’s unacceptable that our vital transport links are being hampered by neglect and inadequate maintenance. We need immediate action to address these problems and ensure our railways are reliable.
“These ongoing disruptions are causing untold inconvenience for those who rely on the train to get to work, school, and other essential commitments.
"The strain on daily commuters is evident, and it is high time that the relevant authorities take decisive steps to restore reliable and punctual services.”
The stats from the FOI show that there were 18 cancellations due to driver shortages, 10 from Largs to Glasgow and eight from Ardrossan to Glasgow.
In 2023, a total of 455 services from either Largs or Ardrossan to Glasgow, or vice versa, were either fully or partially cancelled, according to the data.
Earlier this year, train services to and from Largs, Ardrossan, and Glasgow were reduced.
Ms Clark added: “The reduction in train services is a blow to both the local economy and residents. Fewer trains mean fewer opportunities for businesses and greater challenges for individuals trying to access essential services. We must demand a restoration of these critical services to support our community’s needs.”
“The consistent failure to deliver adequate rail services is a disservice to the people of Largs, and the wider area. We need a clear and actionable plan from the authorities to improve infrastructure, reduce cancellations, and ensure that our trains run on time. The current situation is simply unacceptable.”
In 2023, a total of 5917 trains operated from Largs to Glasgow, and 6191 trains ran from Glasgow to Largs.
During the same period, 5361 trains ran from all three Ardrossan stations to Glasgow, while 3412 trains made the return journey from Glasgow Central Station.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “Disruption and cancellations happen for a variety of reasons, many out with ScotRail's control, like infrastructure issues.
“This year, we have planned to operate more than 16,200 services to and from Largs, with 98 per cent of services running as planned.
“However, we know that trains running on time is one of the most important factors for people travelling across the country, and we continue to work hard to improve those numbers even further.
“ScotRail will continue to keep a firm focus on performance and deliver the best possible service to our customers.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We understand how frustrating it can be when trains are cancelled and we have a robust, and proactive, programme of maintenance in place to keep services as reliable as possible.
“So far this year we’ve seen an improvement in the performance of our infrastructure, despite several periods of extreme weather in the early part of the year.
“We’re continuing to work extremely hard, alongside train operators, to keep passengers moving between Largs, Ardrossan and Glasgow, as well as across the rest of Scotland’s Railway.”
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