Less trains as rail service from Milngavie via Glasgow Central is scrapped

Scotrail has scrapped its service from Milngavie to Central Station during the day.

The company has also reduced the number of trains on the Milngavie line from four an hour to two an hour.

The train leaving the station before 8pm will go via Glasgow Queen Street and after 8pm, to Glasgow Central.

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According to the company, the reduction to the service is “intended to be temporary” because of the Covid pandemic and will be reviewed. The decision was taken last month.

A number of commuters have expressed dismay over the decision.

One local woman said: “This is a sure-fire message to customers that their health is NOT at the forefront of the company’s decisions, as those who are reliant on Scotrail’s services for essential travel purposes are now forced to embark on riskier journeys with increased exposure to Covid-19.

“For example, my journey to the southside now involves changing at Partick, meaning by the time I complete my commute in both directions I have been on six different trains that day.

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“This is combined with increased time spent waiting on the crowded low-level platforms due to decreased services.”

A spokesperson for Scotrail said that normally there were four trains per hour between Milngavie and Glasgow city centre during peak periods, with two trains per hour in the off-peak and evenings.

He added: “The current reduction in services between Milngavie and Glasgow city centre during the day from four to two trains per hour is a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen a significant reduction in the number of passengers travelling.

“Prior to about 20:00, all services between Milngavie and Glasgow city centre serve Glasgow Queen St station, and after about 20:00 they all serve Glasgow Central station.

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“We made a series of changes in the North Clyde and Argyle Line at the December 2020 timetable change following a recommendation to review it that was made in the Donovan Review, published in 2018, to improve performance on these routes.

“To manage costs and provide value for money for the taxpayer, we have reduced off-peak services on many routes, including on the Milngavie branch. The reduction in service is intended to be temporary and when passenger numbers increase we will review the service we provide and seek to reintroduce four trains per hour to and from Milngavie between peaks.”

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