Dumfriesshire MSP Elaine Murray has welcomed news from ScotRail that they are looking to re-classify the new 7.58am service from Annan to Carlisle as an off-peak service.

Following the timetable change last month, the service now calls at Annan at 7.58am rather than 8am, resulting in the original £5.10 price of a day return ticket from Annan to Carlisle rising to £10.40 as it is now considered to be a peak period service. Fares on this service from Dumfries to Carlisle have also increased by almost two thirds.

Following concerns from a number of her constituents’ about the increase in fare charge, Elaine wrote to the Managing Director of Abellio’s Scotrail franchise, Phil Verster to see what could be done to reverse the fare back to off-peak period fees.

Elaine has since received a reply back from ScotRail indicating that they will “be writing to Transport Scotland to ask them if they are prepared to support the change”.

Elaine said:

“I’m pleased that ScotRail have realised the importance of this issue to local people. While the reversal back to off-peak charges is not yet set in stone, this is looking positive for the many commuters in Annan who rely on this service. It’s important for Transport Scotland to now approve this change as soon as possible so that the commuters in Dumfriesshire no longer face a double-charge fare.”