Scotrail - what you need to know.
Following a meeting with Scotrail I have secured a number updates on local services and operations and have provided the update below.
Dunbar ticket office hours:
Following considerable concern from residents, I have sought an update and clarification on ticket office opening hours and staffing at the station.
Scotrail confirmed that opening hours were being reduced at the ticket office, but that staff will be on site to assist passengers.
Scotrail say they are not, however, reducing the staff hours and staff will still be at the station helping travellers on the same hours as at present.
If any traveller requires assistance with tickets, the staff will be on site at the station and will still be able to deliver this.
I would welcome your feedback and thoughts on these matters.
East Linton service gaps:
I have expressed concern at gaps in services from East Linton, for example in the morning when there is a gap in any service to Edinburgh between 8.35AM and 10.46PM.
Scotrail said they would look into changing the times of trains or adding additional services, but stressed that the costs involved may be greater than the revenue generated and therefore services may not be sustained.
However, said it would look at timetabling gaps and potentially work with other operators where there were unacceptable gaps in service provision.
I will continue pressing for better services from the new East Linton station.
Alcohol ban on trains:
Many passengers will have noted that the alcohol ban on Scotrail trains is not being observed or enforced.
Others have said that it is presently inconsistent that drinks can be consumed on trains run by other operators, such as LNER, but not Scotrail.
Scotrail confirmed that the Scottish Government, which is in control of the regulation, is reviewing the policy following concerns from organisations such as British Transport Police which which will not enforce a ban.
Given the ban does not appear to be effective, I am keen to hear what residents think of this policy so I can feed it back to the Scottish Government.
