Train service is going off the rails

More than half of trains arriving in Motherwell are late, according to the rail operator's latest figures.
More than half of trains are late arriving at Motherwell station.More than half of trains are late arriving at Motherwell station.
More than half of trains are late arriving at Motherwell station.

Abellio ScotRail’s performance has been branded “completely unacceptable” by Labour MSP Richard Leonard who is demanding action from the Scottish Government.

The new statistics reveal only 48.7 per cent of trains arriving in Motherwell between August 21 and September 17 were on time.

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Figures for other stations in the area were similarly bad, with 60 per cent of Cumbernauld trains late.

Cental Scotland MSP Richard Leonard said: “This performance is completely unacceptable. It is simply not good enough that passengers, who rely heavily on local rail services that keep our communities moving, are being let down by Abellio ScotRail. 
“The summary of the plans published represents a small step forward, with promises of an £8 million rolling annual programme to renew rail infrastructure,

including here in Lanarkshire.

“However, these measures do not address concerns about the systematic failure of late-running trains, over-crowding and the astronomical increases in fares. “The Scottish Government should publish the full plans and deal with these concerns.”

An online petitoion calling for Government intervention to improve the railways has been signed by nearly 20,000 people.

Mr Leonard added: “I support public ownership of the railways and believe that is what most passengers want too.”