Moray SNP News

RAIL BOSS TO MEET MORAY PUBLIC FOLLOWING TALKS WITH MSP

The Managing Director of Abellio ScotRail, Phil Verster, has agreed to visit Moray following talks with Richard Lochhead MSP about the service provided to rail users in Keith, Elgin and Forres.  Mr Lochhead met with ScotRail's boss on Thursday (19 November) to discuss concerns about a number of local rail issues, including the frequent cancellation of the 0724 commuter service from Elgin to Inverness, that had been raised with him by constituents and Elgin Community Council.   

Moray's MSP pressed Mr Verster on the cancellation of the 0724 service from Elgin to Inverness and the disruption the cancellations have caused to rail users and commuters who rely on the service running.  Mr Lochhead also expressed concerns that constituents can only apply for the Club 50 offer online and that he was aware of a number of constituents who were losing out on rail discounts because they aren't online.  Other issues discussed included complaints about poor Wi-Fi connections, the shortage of seats on some services and the need for luggage and trolley services to be improved.

Abellio ScotRail's Managing Director accepted Mr Lochhead's invitation to come to Moray for a public meeting to allow rail users the opportunity to have their questions answered and concerns addressed by him directly.

Following their talks, Richard Lochhead MSP said:

"I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Phil Verster last week to make him aware of some of the concerns my constituents have about local rail services, including the frustration of commuters who rely on the 0724 service from Elgin to Inverness. 

"During the meeting, I invited him to visit Moray for a public meeting which would allow him to hear first-hand the experiences of local rail users and to give them the chance to have their questions answered by him directly. 

"I'm delighted he accepted this invitation and that he is keen to hear from passengers in Moray and I hope he will use their feedback when reviewing services and looking at how they can improve rail travel on the Aberdeen to Inverness line."