Glasgow Upgrade on Track
Tuesday 26th February 2008
Commuters received good news last week with the announcement that First Scotrail has managed to secure the additional rail carriages required to provide a half hourly service between Kilmarnock and Glasgow.
Over recent months Cathy Jamieson MSP has been asking a series of questions about the rail link in parliament. In October last year she asked about how the new additional rolling stock would be obtained by the franchisee, First Scotrail.
The Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP has since learned that negotiations have taken place which have resulted in the leasing of the required carriages. The cost of leasing the units has been estimated to cost in the region of £500,000 and will come in the form of 2 Diesel Multiple Units.
The announcement was made after additional questions were asked again this month by Cathy Jamieson whose own constituency will also benefit from the improved service.
Local Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Des Browne is delighted by this announcement.
Des Browne said:
"After years of campaigning it is terrific news that the path is being smoothed for the introduction of a half hourly service following the then Transport Minister's announcement in January 2007 that it would become a reality in 2009. Aside from the obvious benefits for commuters I am in no doubt that it will also bring benefits to the Kilmarnock and Loudoun economy."
Cathy Jamieson MSP said:
"While we have been assured that the work on the rail line would be completed next year, its vital having the necessary trains available to provide the service to the public. I have been pressing for the rolling stock to be in place to ensure that the new rail service is delivered. The dynamic loop and the introduction of a half hourly service between Glasgow and Kilmarnock is the vital first step needed if we are to have more frequent rail services to Auchinleck and New Cumnock. It will also help to argue the case for a station at Mauchline."
