CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has met Scotland’s Transport Minister, Jenny Gilruth, to discuss transport provision in East Lothian.
At the meeting Mr Hoy raised the possibility of extending local rail provision to Haddington, which has grown rapidly in recent years.
Mr Hoy is calling on the Scottish Government to explore opening a branch railway line from Haddington to Longniddry and on to Edinburgh, or a new section of East Coast Mainline to include towns such as Haddington.
Mr Hoy wants to see Haddington included to improve transport provision for the town’s growing population anticipated over the coming years.
Mr Hoy also raised concerns in the community to Ms Gilruth about capacity issues and cancellations on the X7 express service between Haddington and Edinburgh and the need for the Scottish Government to improve funding and respond to bus driver shortages across the country.
Hoy also highlighted concerns about the future of the X5 express service between North Berwick and Edinburgh, which he campaigned to reinstate last year.
Following the meeting, Mr Hoy said: “I had a constructive meeting with Scotland’s Transport Minister, Jenny Gilruth, where I made the case for improving transport provision for East Lothian.
“While the SNP’s policy of free bus passes for under 25s is appealing to many people, it has had a significant knock-on impact for Scotland’s transport budget, affecting funding for local bus routes.
“I have been in contact with Lothian Buses who have underlined their continued commitment to East Lothian’s local communities.
“After a meeting with the Rail Action Group East of Scotland, I raised the possibility of reopening Haddington Train Station using a branch line from Longniddry which has cross-party support in the county.
“Next month, a second phase of Proposed Railway Systems outline options for extending the railway to Haddington, which I look forward to seeing the outcome of.
“I will also continue to press the Scottish Government to ensure it gives East Lothian a fair deal for bus, rail and roads.”
