McAlpine Objects to Passenger Focus Snub
Written by author on January 4, 2013
South of Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine has written to Passenger Focus, objecting to their choice to overlook the views of Scottish passengers in their most recent report.
Passenger Focus is a rail watchdog, created by the UK Government and tasked with protecting passenger interests across the UK. Their research is used to influence transport policy decisions.
The report entitled ‘Passenger views of Northern and TransPennine rail franchises’ only takes into account views from research groups in Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Lancaster and Middlesbrough.
The Northern and TransPennine franchises are the only two that operate within Scotland that are still regulated by the UK Government.
Commenting, the SNP MSP said:
“I know from my own experience as MSP for the South of Scotland that there are very strong and widespread opinions of these services, particularly in relation to the TransPennine service, regarding train timings, overcrowding and the length of rail track without a station stop between Lockerbie and Carstairs.
“The fact that no account has been taken of these views is particularly concerning if this research is to be fed into the decision making process for the franchise renewal.
“I would encourage all those with views on these services to make their opinions known, by contacting Passenger Focus at Louise.Collins@passengerfocus.or.uk”
