McCabe blasts East Coast and Ministry of Transport over new rail timetable

Jul 15 2010 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

ONLY two East Coast rail services currently running to London via Motherwell will remain after a new timetable comes into force in May next year.

The confirmation of the ‘Eureka’ timetable proposals was met with dismay by Hamilton South MSP Tom McCabe this week who pointed out it would reduce the options available to Lanarkshire commuters travelling to Edinburgh from Motherwell.

Mr McCabe said the Department of Transport and East Coast had “behaved deplorably” and had “completely disregarded” calls to retain services at peak times to help people who travel to work in Edinburgh.

He commented: “I am frankly appalled. People in Lanarkshire who depend on these services have been left hanging by East Coast.

“This unfortunately confirms my fears that the numerous and strong representations that were made on behalf of constituents throughout Lanarkshire were in vain as the decision to downgrade the East Coast services available to people using Motherwell train station was clearly cast in stone before the consultation process even began.”

He pointed out, however, there would be more rail options available for commuters to Edinburgh following representations to Minister of State for Transport Theresa Villiers.

He added: “While it would have been my preference, as well as the preference of many constituents, to retain East Coast Main Line services, at least there will now be some more options for commuters in Lanarkshire who need to get to Edinburgh before 9am.

“The changing of the timetable to ensure a “cross-country” service at 8.05am from Motherwell, as well as two return journeys at present scheduled at 5.11pm and 6.16pm, is a great improvement on the original proposals. I will continue to battle for more improvements to these services for people in Lanarkshire who depend on them.”